Multi-function travel-friendly workstation with cooling and ventilation

ABSTRACT

An ergonomically designed space saving, collapsible multi-function travel-friendly modular workstation for supporting a broad range of electronic systems, reading materials and the like for users while standing, sitting or on-the-go, and fits in anywhere, anytime is presented. The workstation comprises a support unit, telescopic rod and tripod and is designed to provide needed cooling and ventilation for electronic systems, support healthy postures, and complete comfort and versatility of a multi-function workstation with all the important things needed when working at a desk, thereby improving a user&#39;s comfort when using the workstation. Further, the workstation is designed for easy transportation, storage and set up, as well as provide a versatile workspace for a user in many different environments, for everyday use such as note taking, writing, reading, presentations, performing arts and rehearsing while playing a musical instrument, music or conductor stand, etc.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. U.S. 62/333,812 titled MULTI-FUNCTION TRAVEL-FRIENDLYWORKSTATION WITH COOLING AND VENTILATION, filed May 9, 2016, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to workstations. More particularly, thisinvention relates to collapsible space saving, multi-functiontravel-friendly workstation with cooling and ventilation for supportingelectronic systems, written reading material and the like.

Prior Art

Mobility is ingrained in our lives and has become central to bothindividuals and businesses to the extent it has changed the way weinteract with our surroundings, and particularly equipment and devices.There's no denying that the portability of laptops, as an alternative tobulkier, space consuming electronic systems such as desktop computerswhich required computer workstations having flat horizontal surfacesupon which a desktop computer is placed for work, have made lifeon-the-go a lot easier and have become an indispensable part of thehuman experience, and ultimately a part of the home and work life.Generally, workstations are not portable and occupy a lot of space,often within the confines of a room or building. The use of this spaceby a workstation prevents the use of such space for other purposes andlimits the available workspace. In spite of their portability, laptopsrequire the use of peripherals. However, the numerous peripherals alaptop user must carry can be a part time job trying to keep up whileon-the-go.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,225,724 to O'Brien shows a portable folding workstationhaving closed and operating positions that can easily be installed orremoved by one person without tools. The workstation has two walls thatare hingedly connected to either side of an elongated member with afoldable work surface, the work surface being shaped to provide acontinuous work surface when unfolded. The workstation also has one ormore foldable shelves. All of the components of the workstation remainconnected to the workstation in the closed position and in the operatingposition, and no assembly is required.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,588 to Biggel et al shows a workstation that haswork surfaces and especially desk surfaces in a body which can be openedup. To attain a spacious interior, two opposing side walls are connectedvia hinges to a transverse wall to allow the body to be unfolded as aworkplace with a large area.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,044 to Biggel et al shows a collapsible workstation,a system for providing a work environment for multiple users and asystem and method for providing work environments at multiple andvarying remote locations. A transporting means transports theworkstations.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,546 to Robert N. Gurin, Cynthia S. Gurin shows atransportable office work station enclosure with door and retractablecasters, adequate interior room to stow a chair when closed, a desktopthat is a level, full size, load bearing, wheelchair-accessible worksurface but incorporates a front section that is alternativelyvertically adjustable for use with a keyboard, overhead storage formajor computer components with an elevator for raising and lowering themto user height, internal plug-in outlets prewired to external connectorsfor phone and power hookups, and interior cabinets for storage.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,214 to Pierce et al shows an improved portableworkstation or office that is storable within a transportable trunk-likeenclosure which functions as part of the workstation when in an openposition and permits other office fixtures as stored in the enclosure tobe opened outwardly or extended from the open enclosure to define anoffice-like workstation. A height-adjustable braking roller assemblymounted on a lower free corner of a door is adapted for load-bearingengagement with a floor.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,562 to Jacobs et al shows an improved self-containedportable workstation that is storable within a transportable trunk-likeenclosure having covers and doors that open to stably support andfunction as part of the workstation when in an open position.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,708 to Barnett shows a suitcase-like portable laptopworkstation that combines a carrying case and workstation for computercomponents and can be folded and transported as a carry-on luggage foraircraft in a retracted position. In workstation mode, shells extendperpendicularly from the stand in order to hold the laptop on a flatsurface.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,172,077 to Gray shows a suitcase-like portableworkstation. The unit includes a first half-shell pivotally connected toa second half-shell, each half shell having a rectangular portion. Thefirst half-shell includes a cylindrical rod attached to a tripod, aswell as an extension portion of the cylindrical rod with correspondingfastener openings so that a fastener device secures the portablecontainer to the cylindrical rod. The portable container is rotatableupon the cylindrical rod.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,459,734 to Herschler shows an equipment case, briefcasesized or larger, for carrying a laptop computer or other equipment, thatopens and separates into two compartments, one forming a seat, the othera table; said equipment case as seat and table stabilized by theircoupling.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,314,248 to Mabon et al shows an enhanced version of acollapsible portable workstation apparatus having a scissors linkagelift mechanism allowing adjustment of the seating height, a collapsibleframe, wheels, a seat, and work surface, whereby collapsing the frameand manipulating an articulated work surface attachment, permits theapparatus to be utilized as a hand truck.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,720 to Wilson shows a portable laptop computer workstation comprising a first work space that includes a planar table ofrectangular cross section having upper and lower surfaces. The uppersurface receives a laptop computer and terminates in a lip along one ofthe long sides of the table. The lower surface is fitted as a Tee-shapedreceiver having a pair of longitudinal legs parallel to the lip at theupper surface and a transverse leg normal to the lip. The planar tableis threadably attached at its lower surface to a receiver pad of aconventional camera tripod and provides for additional work spaces to bemechanically supported via the Tee-shaped receiver.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,783 to Goodson shows a chair-like collapsibleworkstation that includes a seat and table. The table is connected tothe seat and defines a working surface adapted for supporting articlesabove the lap of a user in an in-use position spaced apart from theseat. The table is movable from the in-use position to a non-usecollapsed position adjacent the seat for storage and transport. Anelongated connecting arm interconnects the seat and the table to enablemovement of the table between the in-use position and the non-usecollapsed position.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,936 to Birrell shows a portable ergonomic workstation that allows for convenient computer component placement for anindividual in a non-conventional work environment. The work stationincludes multiple adjustable support elements that can independentlysupport the computer components including the keyboard, video monitorand CPU. The work station can be adjusted to position a pair of supportarms on which the components are placed to be accessible to the user ina reclining chair or other non-conventional work environment.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,870,937 to Arnao shows a combination computerworkstation, cosmetic desk, casual/open tote and luggage set device. Thedevice is easily transported and the area to push or pull luggage may beexpanded to stow various pieces of luggage. Luggage may be partiallyfilled yet secured by the divider device.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,322 to Barton shows a combination transport deviceand portable work surface having a collapsible support member and basemember. Essentially, it features a suitcase with wheels that can beconfigured into a workstation.

PCT International Application PCT/US1999/012546 Publication No. WO1999062375 to Holbrook et al shows a height adjustable workstation whichincludes a vertical column adapted to be supported on a floor; a heightadjustment mechanism adapted to travel up and down the height of thecolumn and to be fixed at desired heights; and a horizontal work surfacehaving a rear edge and a front edge, the work surface attached to theheight adjustment mechanism so that the column is adjacent a pointgenerally midway along the rear edge of the work surface. Theworkstation preferably includes a counterbalance system.

The comfort and well-being of users of workstations are concerns of muchimportance. While the prior art has attempted to provide portableworkstations that can safely be set up or taken down, they fail toresolve major heating problems associated with electronic systems suchas laptops, and positioning that permit user adjustments whichergonomically support healthy body postures that alleviate wrist, arm,neck and back pain while sitting or standing, especially for those whohave to use them every day. Current workstations can only be used whilesitting. Further, they are not space saving, and too bulky to fit into abackpack, purse or overnighter, and are not suitable for travelingbusiness men and women or people on-the-go. Also, current workstationscannot be used in their folded or collapsed state, even briefly at theairport while waiting to board a plane, or while one is constantlyon-the-go for business trips or for presentations. Further, they do notadequately address the sources and causes of the above described userproblems. Thus, it is apparent that there exists a need for anergonomically designed space saving, safe and easily portable,reasonably equipped, small office or collapsible multi-functiontravel-friendly modular workstation that compactly folds easily, can beset up or deployed instantly without the use of tools, can be used whilestanding or sitting or on-the-go, provide needed cooling and ventilationfor electronic devices, support healthy postures that alleviate wrist,arm, neck and back pain, collapses and stores wherever and whenever itis needed such as at home, at the office, at the airport, on businesstrips, for presentations, support of written reading material, or useanywhere while on-the-go, or just stored in a backpack, a purse or anovernighter, and fits in anywhere, anytime. The present invention isdirected toward providing such a workstation that is nonconventional,yet handy!

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The collapsible space saving, multi-function travel-friendly workstationof the present invention provides a versatile workspace to a user inmany different environments. The invention comprises three sub-assemblymodules: a support unit, a telescopic rod and a tripod. Eachsub-assembly comprises pre-equipped mating connectors. The threesub-assemblies are detachably coupled together via their pre-equippedmating connectors: the support unit detachably mounted on the telescopicrod, and the telescopic rod detachably mounted on the tripod. Theinvention supports a broad range of electronic systems, readingmaterials and the like which are to be held in a convenient position ina variety of environments for everyday use by individuals of every agewith a view of ease of transportation, set up, provision of cooling andventilation, comfortable usage while standing or sitting, storage andsupport of healthy postures that alleviates wrist, arm, neck and backpain while being used, and fitting in anywhere, anytime. Everyday use ismyriad and not limited to note taking, writing, reading, presentations,performing arts and rehearsing while playing a musical instrument, orserve as a traveling music or conductor stand, or staying connected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary deployed multi-functionworkstation in a standing position according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of FIG. 1 in a sitting position;

FIG. 3 shows a right side view of the deployed multi-functionworkstation of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a left side view of the deployed multi-function workstationof FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an exemplary collapsed multi-functionworkstation for storage or transportation according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 6A shows another perspective view of the collapsed multi-functionworkstation of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6B shows a section of first and second group of elliptically shapedventilation cooling holes of the multi-function workstation of FIG. 5according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a partial exploded perspective view of a collapsedmulti-function workstation according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an exemplary deployed support unitaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A shows a partial exploded perspective view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9B shows another partial exploded perspective view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9C shows an exploded perspective view of FIG. 8 showing the annularsnap cavity;

FIG. 10A shows an exemplary right side view of the upper housing of thesupport unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 10B shows an exemplary right side view of the anti-skid mechanismof the support unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 10C shows an exemplary right side view of the lower housing of thesupport unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 10D shows a section view of showing the annular snap cavity in thelower housing of the support unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 11A shows an exemplary four-bar self-locking tilt mechanism of thesupport unit with the upper housing angularly oriented at 15° to thelower housing according to the present invention;

FIG. 11B shows the exemplary four-bar self-locking tilt mechanism ofFIG. 11A with the upper housing angularly oriented at 75° to the lowerhousing according to the present invention;

FIG. 12A shows an exemplary pawl link according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 12B shows an exemplary ratchet hub link according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 13A shows an exemplary pawl link head according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 13B shows an exemplary ratchet hub link head according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 14A shows an exemplary interactive pawls-ratchet pair relationshipbetween the pawls, ratchet and pawl spring according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 14B shows an exemplary self-locking pawl-ratchet pair mechanism ofFIG. 14A;

FIG. 14C shows another alternate self-locking pawl-ratchet pairmechanism of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15 shows an alternate four-bar self-locking tilt mechanism of thesupport unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 16A shows an exemplary six-bar linkage self-locking tilt mechanismshowing the upper housing having a planar end flange according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 16B shows a right side view of a collapsed support unit having thesix-bar linkage self-locking tilt mechanism of FIG. 16A;

FIG. 16C shows a back view of FIG. 16B showing the planar end flange;

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary gas spring self-locking tilt mechanism;

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary support unit with no retractable mouse pad;

FIG. 19A shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of apartially deployed telescopic rod according to the present invention;

FIG. 19B shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of acollapsed telescopic rod according to the present invention;

FIG. 20 shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofa telescopic rod revealing the major elements of a positive lockingmechanism and a view of the top portion of the base telescoping memberrecess for receiving a positive locking mechanism as viewed by thereference arrow A according to the present invention;

FIG. 21 shows side and front views of an exemplary embodiment of apartially deployed telescopic rod, a cross-sectional view of anexemplary discontinuous annular snap-fit protrusion of the toptelescoping member as viewed along reference line B-B and across-sectional view of an exemplary positive locking mechanism asviewed along reference line C-C according to the present invention;

FIG. 22 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cross-sectional view of areleasable annular snap joint lock according to the present invention;

FIG. 23 shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofa tripod according to the present invention;

FIG. 24 shows a cut-away perspective and side views of embodiments ofthe free end of leg element 183 exposing an exemplary swivel casterwheel assembly in deployed and collapsed positions according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of adeployed tripod showing an extended leg element 183 of telescopic legassembly 177 with non-deployed swivel wheel according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of FIG. 25 showing a collapsed legelement 183 of telescopic leg assembly 177 with non-deployed swivelwheel according to the present invention;

FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of FIG. 26 showing a deployed swivelwheel assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 28 shows a side view of an embodiment of a collapsed tripodaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 29A shows a perspective view of a cut away section of an exemplarycircular tubular housing of the stationary leg assembly to expose firstand second inverted U-shaped notches according to the present invention;

FIG. 29B show a perspective left and right views of a cut away sectionof an exemplary tubular barrel cam of the first moveable leg assembly toexpose the first cam track, third inverted U-shaped notch, and a bottomview of the first tubular connector according to the present invention;

FIG. 29C show a perspective view of a cut away section of an exemplarytubular barrel cam of the second moveable leg assembly to expose thesecond cam track, and a bottom view of the second tubular connectoraccording to the present invention;

FIG. 30 shows an alternate perspective view of an exemplary embodimentof a deployed tripod with non-deployed swivel wheel according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 31 shows the tripod of FIG. 30 with deployed swivel wheel accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 32 shows a collapsed tripod of FIG. 30 according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 33A shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of acollapsed multi-function workstation;

FIG. 33B shows a right side view of FIG. 33A;

FIG. 34A shows a perspective view of an exemplary deployed support unitaccording to an embodiment of FIG. 33A;

FIG. 34B shows the four-bar self-locking tilt mechanism of the supportunit of FIG. 34A;

The exemplary embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative innature and not intended to be limiting of the invention. Moreover,individual features of the drawings and the invention will be more fullyapparent and understood in view of the detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The summary of the invention does not necessarily describe all necessaryfeatures of the present invention. The embodiments of the presentdisclosure will best be understood by reference to the drawings. Thesedrawings are provided for illustration purposes only and merely depicttypical or example embodiments of the invention and to facilitate thereader's understanding of the invention. It will be readily understoodthat the components of the present disclosure, as generally describedand illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designedin a wide variety of different configurations. It is also understoodthat the elements or components of the present invention may compriseany shape, length, and/or configuration and that the shapes, lengths,and/or configurations described and shown herein are for illustrationspurposes only, and not a limitation. Thus, the following more detaileddescription of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to limitthe scope of the disclosure or its applicability, but is merelyrepresentative of possible embodiments of the disclosure. It should benoted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are notnecessarily made to scale, the emphasis being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present invention. In some cases,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail. Also, certain features of illustrated embodimentshave been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitatevisualization and clear understanding. In particular, thin features may,for example, be thickened for clarity or illustration.

As used herein, the term electronic system can refer to any of a numberof configurations of portable electronic devices including laptopcomputers, gaming laptops, tablets, laptop-tablet hybrids, notebookcomputers and other electronic devices or systems. Also, the termreading material can refer to any of a number of configurations ofreading material such as books, magazines, loose sheets or sheet-likematerial and other similar articles. As used herein, any term in thesingular may be interpreted to be in the plural. Alternatively, any termin the plural may be interpreted to be in the singular. The singular andplural terms may be used interchangeably.

Also, it should also be understood that, unless expressly defined inthis provisional patent using the sentence “As used herein, the term‘_(——————)’ is hereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence,there is no intent to limit the meaning of a term, either expressly orby implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning. As such the termshould not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statementmade in any section of this non-provisional patent (other than thelanguage of the claim of the invention).

The following text provides a broad description of numerous differentembodiments of the present invention that should be construed asexemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since itwould be impractical to describe every possible embodiment, if notimpossible. It should be understood that any feature, characteristic,component, product, step or methodology described herein can be deleted,combined with or substituted for, in whole or part, any other feature,characteristic, component, product, step or methodology describedherein. Further, numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented,using either current technology or technology developed after the filingdate of this non-provisional patent, which would still fall within thescope of the claims of this invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an exemplary embodiment of a deployedmulti-function workstation with cooling and ventilation of the presentinvention is generally shown as 1. Multi-function workstation withcooling and ventilation 1 (“workstation 1”) may comprise a support unitassembly 2 (“support unit 2”) pre-equipped with a mating connector, atelescopic rod assembly 3 (“telescopic rod 3”) pre-equipped with amating connectors, and a tripod assembly 4 (“tripod 4”) pre-equippedwith a mating connector. Workstation 1 is modular in design such thatsupport unit 2, telescopic rod 3, and tripod 4 are detachably connectedto each other, via their pre-equipped mating connectors, permittingmultiple configurations/design changes and or component replacementwithout having to do a complete re-design of its entire configurationand/or components with every design change (FIGS. 1-4). In thisexemplary embodiment, support unit 2 is detachably mounted on telescopicrod 3 via their pre-equipped mating connectors, and telescopic rod 3 isdetachably mounted on the tripod 4 via their pre-equipped matingconnector. Support unit 2, telescopic rod 3 and tripod 4 havepre-equipped mating connectors. Further, the modular design permits anindividual modular unit to be used as a standalone device. For example,the support unit 2 may be used as a standalone laptop stand that may beplaced on a user's lap, on a surface such as a table top, etc, or may beused coupled as shown in FIG. 1. Telescopic rod 3 may be used as astandalone fishing rod. Telescopic rod 3 may also be detachablyconnected to tripod 4 and used as a camera support device by connectinga camera mount, to the upper end of telescopic rod 3 to which a cameramay be secured, the camera mount having a means for rotating the cameraabout the vertical axis of said telescopic rod 3, and about a horizontalaxis for tilting a camera attached to the mount. The camera mount mayalso be stored in the support unit when not in use. Workstation 1 may beused for supporting an electronic device of any suitable variety orreading material, and may be adjusted for height and comfortable usewhile standing or sitting. It should be appreciated that workstation 1may have different configurations and may be configured in a variety ofsizes depending on the size and dimensions of the electronic device orreading material with which workstation 1 is to be used and/or on userpreferences.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, workstation 1 may be collapsed for storage orput away when not in use or transported in a purse, suitcase, laptopbag, backpack, carry-on luggage for aircraft or an overnighter for easytravel. In order to transport workstation 1, telescopic rod 3 and tripod4 and/or other peripherals may be collapsed, stored and secured inform-fitted storage cavities 56 within support unit 2. In this waystorage is provided for the respective components or componentassemblies and/other peripherals in the collapsed configuration ofsupport unit 2. Thus, workstation 1 is a sleek, slim and lightweighteasy to transport, setup and store, perfect work and travel friendlyspace saving companion for any person to enjoy all the benefits of theergonomic comfort of a permanent workstation regardless of locale orwhile traveling or on-the-go.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, support unit 2 may comprise upper housing 5,lower housing 6, anti-skid mechanism 7, hinge mechanism 8, self-lockingtilt mechanism 9, cooling and ventilation system 10, retractable mousepad 11, power management system 12 and cable management system 13 (notshown). One or more of the components of support unit 2 may be modularin design (e.g. power management block 12) such that they may beremovably connected to support unit 2, permitting multipleconfigurations/design changes and or component replacement withouthaving to do a complete re-design of its entire configuration and/orcomponents with every design change. Also, upper housing 5, lowerhousing 6 and anti-skid mechanism 7 provide an aesthetic appearance. Assuch, upper and lower housings 5 and 6, and anti-skid mechanism 7 permitthe outer appearance (e.g., color, shape, etc.) of support unit 2 to besimply and efficiently changed without having to change its function. Inaddition, upper and lower housings 5 and 6 provide protection toself-locking tilt mechanism 9, cooling fans 104, retractable mouse pad11, power management block 12 and cable management system 13 fromforeign elements that may cause damage, etc.

With continued reference to FIGS. 8-10, upper housing 5 may comprisefront and back ends 14 and 15, opposite side walls 16 and 17, top andbottom surfaces 18 and 19, first and second group ventilation coolingholes 20 and 21 (“cooling holes 20” and “cooling holes 21”), and endflange 22. Opposite side walls 16 and 17 may be rigidly attached to orintegrally formed with upper housing 5. Front 14 end positions adjacentto a user. Front end 14, opposite side walls 16 and 17, bottom surface19, and the end flange 22 together define a trough-like or open interiorcavity 23 (“cavity 23”). Cavity 23 houses grated fan cover 108 withinwhich cooling fans 104 are biased. As shown in FIGS. 9A-9C and 10A,front end 14 of upper housing 5 terminates in hinge arms 24 comprisingcentral aperture 28 through which hinge mechanism 8 (or hinge or pivotpin) can be passed. Optionally, front end 14 may comprise a hinge end.In the embodiment of FIG. 10A, each hinge arm 24 may further compriserim-like outer ring 25 integrally connected by a plurality of radialspokes 26 to hub-like inner ring 27 comprising said central aperture 28.In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10A, end flange 22 has a partialS-shape and is rigidly attached to bottom surface 19 proximate the endof back end 15 of upper housing 5. Thus, back end 15 of upper housing 5takes the form and shape of a grip (or gripping area) 29 thataccommodates at least a portion of several fingers of the hand as shownin FIG. 6. End flange 22 has cut-out 30 configured to fit the topportion of power block 110. It is understood that end flange 22 may havea variety of shapes and curvatures and thus gripping area 29accordingly. Upper housing 5 may be angularly oriented or tilted byholding grip 29 and pulling upper housing 5 upward in a counterclockwisedirection. In another exemplary embodiment, end flange 22 may be rigidlyattached or integrally formed with bottom surface 19 of upper housing 5.Gripping area 29 spans the entire width of upper housing 5.

With continued reference to FIGS. 8-10, top surface 18 of upper housing5 may comprise recess 31 that nests retaining platform 62 of anti-skidmechanism 7 such that the top surface of retaining platform 62 is flushwith top surface 18 of upper housing 5 when collapsed, FIGS. 5-6.Opposite side walls 16 and 17 of upper housing 5 may comprise awedge-shaped configuration that may comprise respectively wedge-shapedrecesses 32, 33. Pivot hole pair 34 for receiving pivot pins 35 arebiased on opposite side walls 16 and 17 of upper housing 5 as shown inFIGS. 9A-9C and 10A. Optionally, side walls 16 and 17 may comprisevents/slots that are in fluid communication with cavity 23 of upperhousing 5 to allow ejected hot air sucked from the base of an electronicsystem by cooling fans 104 escapes through them into the atmosphere.Upper housing 5 comprises through slot 37 which is located within endflange 22 and within gripping area 29 as shown in FIGS. 9B, 9C and 10A,and configured to receive press button 89 for disengaging pawls 74 fromratchet teeth 84 of self-locking tilt mechanism 9.

With continued reference to FIGS. 8-9, cooling holes 20 are biased in afirst region such that they are in fluid communication with cavity 23 ofupper housing 5, the cooling holes 20 being spaced apart according to auniform geometric pattern and density, FIG. 6B. The first regionincludes all regions outside the location of cooling fans 104. Upperhousing 5 may also comprise a second group of elliptically shapedthrough ventilation cooling holes 21 that are biased in a second regionsuch that they are in fluid communication with the cavity 23 of upperhousing 5 as well as cooling fans 104, the cooling holes 21 being spacedapart according to a uniform geometric pattern and density. Each coolinghole 21 in the second group is preferably perpendicularly orientatedrelative to its neighbor in the horizontal plane as shown in FIG. 6B.Such geometric arrangements promote improved cooling airflow andincrease cooling air flow effectiveness to eliminate the uneventemperature distributions or undesirable temperature levels.

With continued reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, lower housing 6 comprisesfront and back ends 38 and 39, opposite side walls 40 and 41, innerbottom and bottom surfaces 42 and 43, and bottom portion 44. Front end38 for positioning adjacent to a user. Opposite side walls 40 and 41 maybe rigidly attached to or integrally formed with lower housing 6. Frontend 37, opposite side walls 40 and 41, inner bottom surface 42, andpower block 110 together define a trough-like or open interior cavity 45(“cavity 45”). Without power block 110, cavity 45 is open at back end39. Optionally, back end 39 is not open. As shown in FIGS. 9A-9C and10C, front end 38 of lower housing 6 has the shape of a truncated wedgewhich terminates in hinge arms 46 comprising central aperture 50 throughwhich hinge mechanism 8 (or hinge or pivot pin) can be passed.Optionally, the front end may comprise a hinge end. In the embodiment ofFIG. 10C, each hinge arm 46 may further comprise rim-like outer ring 47integrally connected by a plurality of radial spokes 48 to hub-likeinner ring 49 comprising said central aperture 50 as shown in FIG. 10C.

With continued reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, opposite side walls 40 and41 of lower housing 6 may comprise a wedge-shaped configuration that mayrespectively comprise wedge-shaped recesses 51, 52. Pivot hole pair 53for receiving pivot pins 54 are biased on opposite side walls 40 and 41of lower housing 6 as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C and 10C. Opposite side walls40 and 41 comprise vents/slots 55 that are in fluid communication withcavity 45 of lower housing 6 such that ejected hot air sucked from thebase of an electronic system by cooling fans 104 escapes through theminto the atmosphere. In one embodiment, the vents may be louvered vents,or the slots may have fins. The vents/slots 55 define the greaterportion of the length of opposite side walls 40 and 41 of lower housing6. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, cavity 45 may have several form-fittedstorage cavities 56 for components, component assemblies and/or otherperipherals depending on user preferences. It should be understood thatany number of form-fitted storage cavities 56 may be defined withincavity 45 of lower housing 6 for storing any number of components orproducts depending on preferences. In some embodiments an insert or traycomprising a plurality of sections that are form-fitted openings forcomponent assemblies such as telescopic rod 3, tripod 4 and/or otherperipherals of use may be situated within lower housing 6 so that thecomponents or products are secured in position within the sections whensupport unit 2 is closed.

With continued reference to FIGS. 9-10, back end 39 of lower housing 6may comprise recess (or cutout) 57 configured to receive powermanagement block 12. As shown in FIG. 10C, bottom portion 44 of lowerhousing 6 may comprise through slot 58 (“slot 58”) spanning the entirewidth of lower housing 6 (from left to right) configured to receiveretractable mouse pad 11. Alternatively, bottom portion 44 may have apocket, a recess or an opening configured to receive retractable mousepad 11. As shown in FIG. 10C, projection 59 inside slot 58 engages withshallow slot 127 in the bottom surface of retractable mouse pad 11.Projection 59 guides retractable mouse pad 11. Projection 59 also actsas a stop to prevent retractable mouse pad 11 completely detaching fromor falling out of the slot 58 when retractable mouse pad 11 slides inand out of slot 58. As shown in FIGS. 9C and 10D, annular snap-fitcavity 60 integrally formed within a shallow hollow region extendingfrom bottom surface 43 inward into projection 59 of lower housing 6 isconfigured to receive snap fit connector 146 of telescopic rod 3 so thatsupport unit 2 and telescopic rod 3 are in fluid communication. As shownin FIGS. 1-4, snap-fit cavity 60 is biased in lower housing 6 such thatit will not tip over when removably connected to snap-fit connector 146while upper housing 5 is deployed at an angle greater than 0 degree butless or equal to 75 degrees, whether in a sitting or standing position,support unit 2. Alternatively, the shallow hollow region of support unit2 may be adapted for fitting an adapter attachment that may comprise asnap-fit cavity or some other appropriate adapter device attachment suchthat the adapter attachment will establish fluid communication betweensupport unit 2 and telescopic rod 3. Further appropriate lockingmechanisms for locking the adapter device attachment onto telescopic rod3 end and then connecting telescoping rod 3 to support unit 2 areprovided. Snap-fit cavity 60 or other adapter device attachment servesas a pre-equipped mating connector for support unit 2. Alternatively,bottom portion 44 may comprise a detachable modular unit that isconfigured to house mouse pad 11 and snap-fit cavity 60 or other adapterdevice attachment.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10 anti-skid mechanism 7 may comprise asubstantially planar retaining platform 62 comprising a front end forpositioning adjacent to a user, a back end opposite said front end, topand bottom surfaces, and opposite side ends. The front end of saidretaining platform 62 terminates in hinge arms 63 comprising a centralaperture 67 through which hinge mechanism 8 (or hinge or pivot pin) canbe passed while the other back end is free. Optionally, the front endmay comprise a hinge end. In the embodiment of FIG. 10B, each hinge arm63 may further comprise rim-like outer ring 64 integrally connected by aplurality of radial spokes 65 to hub-like inner ring 66 comprising saidcentral aperture 67. As shown FIG. 10B, anti-skid mechanism 7 iswhistle-shaped when viewed from the right side. In operation, anti-skidmechanism 7 is pivotally movable between collapsed and deployedpositions and prevents an electronic system or reading material on topsurface 18 of upper housing 5 from sliding, slipping or falling.Further, in operation, anti-skid mechanism 7 has two lock positions: adeployed-lock position which is a position when platform 62 is at 90degrees relative to top surface 18 of upper housing 5, and acollapsed-lock position which is a position when platform 62 is at 0(zero) degrees relative to, and substantially parallel to top surface 18of upper housing 5 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In the collapsed-lockposition, anti-skid mechanism 7 nests in recess 31 such that its topsurface is flush with top surface 18 of upper housing 5 as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6. In the deployed-lock position, anti-skid mechanism 7rotates counterclockwise away from upper housing 5, outwardly projectsat 90 degrees relative to and substantially perpendicular to top surface18 of upper housing 5 such that platform 62 and upper housing 5 form anL-shape as shown in FIG. 8. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, anti-skidmechanism 7 spans the entire width (left to right) of upper housing 5 asshown in FIG. 5. In addition to anti-skid mechanism 7, a skid or slipresistant material may be applied to top surface 18 of upper housing 5to prevent sliding of an electronic system or reading material that maybe resting on top surface 18 of upper housing 5. Further, anti-skidmechanism 7 may be configured with various other changes andmodifications without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. In the deployed position, anti-skid mechanism 7 provides anergonomic wrist support for and prevents an electronic system or readingmaterial from sliding or falling along top surface 18 of upper housingwhile being used by a user.

Upper housing 5, lower housing 6 and antiskid mechanism 7 are hinge orpivotally connected, via hinge arms 24, 46 and 63 by hinge mechanism 8.The hinge mounting allows upper housing 5 to be adjustable and tiltedpivotally between collapsed and deployed positions as shown in FIGS. 5and 8. In the collapsed position, the top surface 18 of upper housing 5is substantially parallel to bottom surface 43 of lower housing 6. Inthe deployed position, top surface 18 of upper housing may angularly beoriented at an angle of ϕ relative to bottom surface 43 of lower housing6, where ϕ>0°. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, 0°≤ϕ≤75° (i.e. ϕ is from 0to 75 degrees). The angular orientation of upper housing 5 is userselected for comfortable viewing of (1) the screen of an electronicsystem, or (2) reading material, or (3) for working, by a user.

Referring to FIG. 9 of the exemplary embodiments of support unit 2,hinge mechanism 8 may comprise a hinge or pivot pin mounted in centralapertures 28, 50 and 67 respectively of upper housing 5, lower housing 6and anti-skid mechanism 7. Alternately, hinge mechanism 8 may be a hingeapparatus which interconnects upper housing 5, lower housing 6, andanti-skid mechanism 7 in such a manner that upper housing 5 is capableof rotating toward or away from lower housing 6; anti-skid mechanism 7is capable of rotating toward or away from upper housing 5. A furtheralternate embodiment of hinge mechanism 8 may comprise two separatehinge mechanisms, one interconnecting or coupling upper and lowerhousings 5 and 6, the second interconnecting or coupling upper housingand anti-skid mechanism 5 and 7.

Referring to FIG. 11, an exemplary embodiment of a self-locking tiltmechanism configured to angularly orient upper housing 5 relative tolower housing 6 from a collapsed substantially horizontal position toany angular position or from one angular position to another angularposition or from any angular position to a horizontal position isgenerally shown as 9. Self-locking tilt mechanism 9 may comprise tiltmechanism 78A and self-locking mechanism 78B. Tilt mechanism 78Acomprises four-bar linkage 79, actuator 85, and press-to-releasemechanism 88. Four-bar linkage 79 comprises a first link being pivotallyconnected to a second link at a first connection point, the second linkbeing pivotally connected to a third link at a second connection point,the third link being pivotally connected to a fourth at a thirdconnection point, the fourth link being pivotally connected to saidfirst link at a fourth connection point, such that the four links formfour connection joints with a predetermined one degree of freedom.Further, the four-bar linkage includes a drive link and a link whichmaintains a substantially fixed attitude relative to the other links inspace during movement. The four-bar linkage herein referred to is alocked chain linkage with four links, each link being binary, ispivotally connected to the other in a selected manner to have apredetermined one degree of freedom and four joints. In the exemplaryembodiment of self-locking tilt mechanism 9 shown, a four-bar chainlinkage is formed by taking upper and lower housings 5 and 6 as a linkshousing, and combining them with two binary links comprising pawl link68 and ratchet hub link 80. In the exemplary embodiment of self-lockingtilt mechanism 9 shown in FIG. 11, upper housing 5 being a drive link(first link) pivotally connects to lower housing 6 being a fixed link(second link) at pivot O (first connection point), lower housing 6 ispivotally connected to ratchet hub link 80 at pivot L (second connectionpoint), ratchet hub link 80 is pivotally connected to pawl link 68 atpivot M (third connection point), pawl link 68 is pivotally connected toupper housing 5 at pivot N (fourth connection point).

With continued reference to FIG. 11, self-locking mechanism 78Bcomprises pawl-ratchet link pair 86. Pawl-ratchet link pair 86 comprisespawl link 68 and ratchet hub link 80. Referring to FIGS. 12-13,exemplary embodiments of a pawl and ratchet hub links of the presentinvention are generally shown respectively as 68 and 80. As shown inFIG. 12A, pawl link 68 may comprise pawl head 69 integrally formed withbar 70. In another embodiment, pawl head 69 and bar 70 may be separateparts or components which are connected together. In the exemplaryembodiments of FIGS. 12-13, pawl end 71 comprises a pawl disc integrallyformed with pawl head 69. Pawl end 71 comprises three cut-out or pawlpockets 72 circumferentially spaced apart from each other at 120 degreeequal angular intervals about its periphery for receiving three lockingpawls 74 and three pawl spring recesses 75 adjacent pawl pockets 72 forreceiving three pawl springs 76. Further, pawl head 69 comprises pawlpivot posts 73 biased in pawl pockets 72 for pivotally mounting lockingpawls 74 and pawl spring pivot pins 77 for pivotally mounting pawlsprings 76 that are integrally formed with pawl head 69. Each pawlpocket 72 comprises an abutment surface 72A configured to preventmovement of locking pawl 74 in one direction while permitting movementin the opposite direction. Locking pawl 74 which is pivotally mountedwithin pawl pocket 72 is configured to move between a locked positionagainst abutment surface 72A and a disengaged position away fromabutment surface 72A. Each pawl spring 76 has one end coiled thatpivotally mounts on pivot pin 75 within pawl spring recess 75 while theother end engages and exerts a biasing force on locking pawl 74 urginglocking pawl 74 toward said locked position when locking pawl 74 is insaid disengaged position. Optionally, pawl head 69 and pawl end 71 maybe separate parts or components connected together.

As shown in FIG. 12B, ratchet hub link 80 may comprise ratchet head 81integrally formed with bar 82. Ratchet head 81 comprises ratchet cavity83 which comprises an inner circumferential surface defined by ratchetteeth 84 integrally formed with said inner circumferential surface.Ratchet teeth 84 engage pawls 74. Ratchet tooth 84 comprises convex top84A, side 84B and concave root 84C. Convex top 84A, side 84B and concaveroot 84C smoothly transition into each other. In another embodiment,ratchet head 81 and bar 82 are separate parts or components which areconnected together. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 13B, ratchetcavity 83 comprises 120 ratchet teeth arranged in three (3) degreeincrements around its inner circumferential surface. This allows upperhousing 5 to be tilted or angularly oriented and locked into place in 3degree increments in a counterclockwise direction relative to lowerhousing 6. In action, and at any time, pawls 74 simultaneously engagewith a set of ratchet teeth 84 as shown in FIG. 14A. In anotherembodiment, ratchet teeth 84 may have any number of teeth that allowsupper housing 5 to be angularly oriented in one (1) degree incrementsrelative to lower housing 6.

With continued reference to FIGS. 11-13, a pawl-ratchet link pair joint86A is formed at joint M of the pawl-ratchet link pair 86 between pawlhead 69 of pawl link 68 and ratchet head 81 of ratchet hub link 80.Pawl-ratchet hub link joint 86A comprises a pawl-ratchet joint 86Bformed by engagement of locking pawl 74 and ratchet tooth 84 such thatin operation locking pawl 74 slides over or snaps against ratchet tooth84 Optionally, pawl-ratchet joint 86B may be configured to produce anaudible signal to indicate three (3) degrees of movement when lockingpawl 74 slides over or snaps against ratchet tooth 84. Self-locking isactivated when locking pawl 74 engages abutment surface 72A of pawlpocket 72 preventing reverse movement of locking pawl 74 causing lockingpawl 74 to engage ratchet tooth root 86C and thus prevent the reversemovement of ratchet tooth 86C. Consequently, self-locking atpawl-ratchet joint 86B is achieved by the wedging of locking pawl 74into ratchet tooth root 84C.

In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 14B, pawl head 69 may compriselocking pawl ring 71A, torsion spring 76A, at least one return stop 73A.Locking pawl ring 71A comprises at least one pawl 74A and at least onereturn stop seat 73B integrally formed on the outer periphery of lockingpawl ring 71A. Return stop 73A is configured to engage return stop seat73B to prevent movement of locking pawl ring 71A in one direction whilepermitting movement in the opposite direction. Torsion spring 76A isconfigured to urge locking pawl ring 71A to cause return stop seat 73Bto engage return stop 73A. Locking pawl ring 71A is pivotally mounted onpawl head 69 and is configured to move between a locked position suchthat return stop seat 73B is against return stop 73A and a disengagedposition such that return stop seat 73B is away from return stop 73A. Inyet another embodiment as shown in FIG. 14C, pawl head 69 may compriselocking pawl ring 71B, at least one return stop 73C, and at least onepawl return element 76B. Locking pawl ring 71B comprises at least onepawl 74B, at least one pawl return element seat 76C, and at least onereturn stop seat 73D integrally formed on its outer periphery. Returnstop 73C is configured to engage return stop seat 73D to preventmovement of locking pawl ring 71B in one direction while permittingmovement in the opposite direction. Pawl return element 76B isconfigured to engage and exert a biasing force on pawl return elementseat 76C urging locking pawl ring 71B to cause return stop seat 73D toengage return stop 73C. Locking pawl ring 71B is pivotally mounted onpawl head 69 and configured to move between a locked position such thatreturn stop seat 73D is against return stop 73C and a disengagedposition such that return stop seat 73D is away from return stop 73C. Inboth embodiments of FIGS. 14B-14C, when locking pawl rings 71A and 71Bare used, self-locking is activated when return seats 73B and 73Drespectively engage return stops 73A and 73C preventing reverse movementof locking pawl rings 71A and 71B causing respectively pawls 74A and 74Bof locking pawl rings 71A and 71B to respectively engage ratchet toothroot 86C and thus prevent reverse movement of ratchet tooth 86C.Similarly, when locking pawl rings 71A and 71B are used, self-lockingcomprises similar wedging action between a locking pawl ring and ratchettooth root.

With continued reference to FIG. 11, actuator 85 comprises a hand (notshown) comprising a few fingers that can be inserted into grip 29.Press-to-release mechanism 88 comprises press button 89 and at least onerelease cable 90 (not shown). Release cable 90 is generally connected tolocking pawl 74 or locking pawl ring 71A or locking pawl ring 71B insuch a way that when press button 89 is pressed, the actuating pushforce is converted into a pull force on release cable 90 such thatlocking pawl 74 or locking pawl ring 71A or locking pawl ring 71Bdisengages from ratchet teeth 84 to permit reverse movement of ratchetteeth 84. In the exemplary embodiment of self-locking tilt mechanism 9shown in FIG. 11, press-to-release mechanism 88 is operable uponinserting a few fingers of actuator 85 into grip 29, slightly pullingupper housing 5 upward in a counterclockwise direction and depressingpress button 89. Press button 89 links release cable 90 and pawls 74such that pawls 74 can be selectively disengaged from ratchet teeth 84.Further, rotational power is transmitted to upper housing 5 by putting afew fingers in grip 29 of upper housing 5 and pulling upward in acounterclockwise direction away from lower housing 6 to angularly deployupper housing 5 or pushing upper housing 5 downward in a clockwisedirection towards lower housing 6 to collapse upper housing 5. Thepawl-ratchet joint 86B of pawl-ratchet hub link joint 86A provides aquick-acting self-locking mechanism that allows upper housing 5 to beadjusted to any desired inclination by merely gripping grip 29 andangularly orienting upper housing 5 to the desired angle, which whenreleased automatically locks upper housing 5 in the instant adjustedposition. Self-locking tilt mechanism 9 allows a user to selectively andangularly deploy upper housing 5 for comfortable viewing and working ina counterclockwise direction or collapse upper housing 5 in a clockwisedirection so as to store support unit 2. In the exemplary embodiment ofself-locking tilt mechanism 9 shown in FIG. 11, the minimum and maximumangular orientation of the upper housing 5 relative to the lower housing6 between collapsed and deployed positions is respectively 0 (zero) and75 degrees. Further, self-locking tilt mechanism 9 does not prevent thesurface 18 of upper housing 5 from being substantially parallel tobottom surface 43 of lower housing 6 when upper housing 5 is in acollapsed state.

In the deployed position, the weight of upper housing 5 or the combinedweight of an electronic system or reading material and upper housing 5produces a downward force that tends to rotate ratchet hub and pawllinks 80 and 68 respectively in a clockwise and counterclockwisedirections. This causes a reaction force in opposition, but equal, tothe downward force on pawls 74, and consequently prevents the rotationof links 80 and 68. Holding grip 29 and slightly pulling upper housing 5upward in a counterclockwise direction temporarily removes the downwardreaction force so that press button 89 may be actuated by beingdepressed. The actuating force on press button 89 is converted into apull force on release cable 90. This pull force in turn is convertedinto a clockwise rotating force on locking pawls 74 to disengage lockingpawls 74 simultaneously from ratchet teeth 84. In the released position,locking pawl 74 and ratchet teeth 84 are not engaged with each other andupper housing 5 is free to move in a clockwise direction about pivot Oto orient upper housing 5 toward a collapsed position. Press-to-releasemechanism 88 is configured such that its accidental depression cannotcause disengagement of pawls 74 from ratchet teeth 84 while thepawls-ratchet pair is in a locked position.

With Reference to FIG. 16A, tilt mechanism 78A may optionally comprise asix-bar linkage and a hand lever actuator mechanism. The six-bar linkageherein referred to is a locked chain linkage with six links, each linkbeing binary and pivotally connected to one another in a selected mannerto have a predetermined degree of freedom with a total of six links andseven joints. The six-bar chain linkage is formed by taking upper andlower housings 5 and 6 as links, and combining them with four binarylinks comprising pawl link 68, ratchet hub link 80, link 93 and link 94.Link 93 is the drive link and has one end pivotally connected to lowerhousing 6 at pivot J via crank pin 95 (not shown). The free end of link93 is pivotally connected to link 94 at pivot K. The free end of link 93is pivotally connected to links 68 and 81 at shared pivot M₁. Pivot M₁is considered to be a special case of two joints that are located in thesame place. Bar 82 of ratchet hub link 69 connects to lower housing 6 atpivot L, ratchet head 81 of ratchet hub link 80 connects to pawl head 69of pawl link 68 at pivot M, bar 70 of pawl link 68 connects to upperhousing 5 at pivot N and upper housing 5 pivotally connects to lowerhousing 6 at pivot O. Lever actuator mechanism 91 provides driving powerto link 93 to activate a rotation to drive the six-bar linkage mechanismto tilt upper housing 5. Alternatively, the self-locking tilt mechanismof FIG. 16A may be thought of as a combination of two four-bar linkages,with lower housing 6, ratchet hub link pair 80, joint J, joint M andjoint L shared.

With continued reference FIG. 16A, hand lever actuator mechanism 92comprises hand lever 96 having free and fixed ends, press button 97located at the free end of hand lever 96, hand grip 98 (not shown) atthe free end of the hand lever 96, a release cable 99 (not shown), apush-to-release rod 100 (not shown) disposed between release cable 99and press button 97, and return spring 101 (not shown) disposed insidehand grip 98. Hand lever 96 is pivotally connected to drive link 93 viacrank pin 95 such that hand lever 96 may oscillate with respect to lowerhousing 6. Push-to-release rod 100 converts the actuating force of pressbutton 97 into a pull force on release cable 99 such that pawls 74 mayselectively be disengaged from ratchet teeth 84. Cooperation betweenratchet teeth 84 and pawls 74 of pawl and ratchet hub links 68 and 80 issuch that hand lever 96 can only move in a counterclockwise direction toangularly orient upper housing 5 to a deployed position from a collapsedposition or in a clockwise direction to a collapsed position from adeployed position. Drive link 93 is driven by the actuation of handlever mechanism 92. The six-bar linkage self-locking tilt mechanism 9 ofFIG. 16A essentially functions similarly as the four-bar linkageself-locking tilt mechanism 9 of FIG. 11. While self-locking tiltmechanism 9 of FIG. 11 is operable by holding and pulling grip 29 ofupper housing 5 upward in a counterclockwise direction, self-lockingtilt mechanism 9 of FIG. 16A is operable by holding and pulling handlever actuator mechanism 92 upward in a counterclockwise direction. Itshould be understood that the pawl-ratchet joint of the pawl-ratchet hublink joint of the four-bar of the six-bar linkage of the self-lockingtilt mechanism 9 of FIG. 16A is similar in configuration and function asthe pawl-ratchet joint of the pawl-ratchet hub link joint of the fourbar linkage of self-locking tilt mechanism 9 of FIG. 11, both providinga quick-acting self-locking mechanism that allows upper housing 5 to beadjusted to any desired inclination or position, which when releasedautomatically locks upper housing 5 in the instant adjusted inclinationor position.

In operation, a reaction force equal to the downward force at the teethof pawls 74 of the self-locking tilt mechanism of FIG. 16A in oppositionto the downward force caused by the weight of upper housing 5 or thecombined weight of an electronic system or reading material and upperhousing 5 prevents hand lever 96 from rotating clockwise. Thus, handlever 96 is held in position by the reaction force and is configuredsuch that it is prevented from being accidentally released from thelocked position by the accidental depression of press button 97. Byslightly pulling hand lever 96 upward in a counterclockwise direction,the reaction force is temporarily removed and press button 97 can bedepressed to transmit a clockwise rotating force to pawls 74, throughpush-to-release rod 100, to disengage them from ratchet teeth 84 andbring hand lever 96 into a released position. Thus, hand lever 96 isfree to move in a clockwise direction about pivot J to orient upperhousing 5 toward a collapsed position.

As shown in FIG. 17, self-locking tilt mechanism 9 may optionallycomprise a pair of hand or reversible motor actuated gas spring assistedsystem 91 (“gas spring 91”) for angularly orienting upper housing 5relative to lower housing 6. Gas spring 91 comprises cylinder 80A,piston 68A, a device 91A (not shown) to hold piston 68A in its extendedposition when upper housing 5 is angularly oriented, and/or a reversiblemotor (not shown) for actuating gas spring 91. The system is arranged sothat gas spring 91 reaches its fully retracted position when upperhousing 5 is horizontal. Gas spring 91 is pivotally operably connectedto upper and lower housings 5 and 6 such that upper housing 5 can bemoved between deployed and collapsed positions. As used herein, the termgas spring can refer to a conventional gas spring system, hydraulic gascylinder system, lift support system, gas cylinder system, or dampersystem. Alternative self-locking tilt mechanism arrangements may be amotorized mechanism, an adjustable reciprocating mechanism, useradjustable tilt adjustment apparatus having a number of discretepositions, an activation device in operative communication with upperhousing 5, or other rotational, tilting or lifting devices that permitupper housing 5 to be angularly oriented to the desired angularorientation. In any event, various tilting arrangements and supportconfigurations may be used depending on desired characteristics.

Heat dissipating features such as cooling and ventilation system 10 ofsupport unit 2 are configured to reduce heat transfer from an electronicsystem that rests on upper surface 18 of upper housing 5. Cooling andventilation system 10 may include active 102 and/or passive 103 coolingmechanisms. The embodiment of cooling and ventilation system 10 maycomprise user controlled cooling fans 104, cooling holes 20 and 21 inupper housing 5 as shown in FIGS. 5 to 6B, vents/slots 55 on oppositeside walls 40 and 41 of lower housing 6, on/off user actuated switch 105and fan speed control device 106.

In the illustrated embodiment of support unit 2, active coolingmechanism 102 may comprise cooling fans 104 which are powered by ahardwired USB cable 107 (not shown) connected to an electronic system orby power block 110 or an external power apparatus pluggable to the mains(AC). Cooling fans 104 are biased in grated fan cover 108 to protect auser and limit foreign objects contacting the rotating fan vanes. Gratedfan cover 108 biased within cavity 23 of upper housing 5 is secured tobottom surface 19 by screws 109 such that cooling fans 104 are able tosuck or draw hot air entering through cooling holes 21 into cavity 23and expel the air through the grating of grated fan cover 108 directlyinto the atmosphere. Thus, direct cooling by active cooling mechanism102 is achieved this way. Active cooling mechanism 102 may also becoupled with cooling holes 20 and vents/slots 55 on opposite side walls40 and 41 of lower housing 6 to enhance airflow through support unit 2.Alternatively, any number of cooling fans or a variety of suitabledevices such as air flow turbines may be utilized depending on usercooling needs. In the embodiment of the present invention, on/off useractuated switch 105 also serves as fans speed control device 106. Thoughfan speed control device 106 is biased on right side wall 41 of lowerhousing 6 in the illustrated embodiment of support unit 2, it could wellbe biased on left side wall 40 of lower housing 6 or any of oppositeside walls 16 and 17 of upper housing 5. The passive cooling mechanism103 may comprise first group ventilation cooling holes 20 andvents/slots 55 on opposite side walls 40 and 41 of lower housing 6. Inanother embodiment, passive cooling mechanism 103 may comprise holes 20and 21 in upper housing 5, vents/slots 55 on opposite side walls 40 and41 of lower housing 6.

Each cooling hole 21 in the second group is preferably perpendicularlyorientated relative to its neighbor in the horizontal plane as shown inFIG. 6B. In one embodiment, these cooling holes 21 are generally of thesame configuration and size and are arranged in a spacing the size ofthe major diameter of one elliptical cooling hole, FIG. 6B. Sucharrangement promotes improved cooling airflow and increases theeffectiveness of the cooling air flow to eliminate the uneventemperature distributions or undesirable temperature levels. In someembodiments, cooling holes 21 may be of varying sizes with the holesbeing spaced apart according to varying, but uniform, geometric patternsand densities to achieve the desired cooling effect.

The large number of cooling holes 20 surrounding cooling holes 21increase the airflow preferentially around cooling holes 21 and aresomewhat effective in maintaining the desired cooling airflow. Whenupper housing 5 is angularly oriented, the ejected hot air sucked fromthe base of an electronic system by cooling fans 104 expelled throughthe grating of grated fan cover 108 is expelled directly into theatmosphere. When upper housing 5 is in a collapsed position and is influid communication with lower housing 6, the sucked ejected hot airfrom the base of the electronic system expelled by the cooling fans 104through the grating of the grated fan cover 108 and trapped betweencavity 23 of upper housing 5 and cavity 45 of lower housing 6 issimultaneously expelled into the atmosphere through cooling holes 20 inupper housing 5 and vents/slots 5 on opposite side walls 40 and 41 oflower housing 6. The plurality of cooling holes provide extraventilation for cooling and dissipating the heat generated by theelectronic system in order to keep it from becoming too warm. Further,elliptical cooling holes are superior to cylindrical cooling holes incooling performance along a flat surface and require fewer holes thancylindrical holes for the same surface area in accomplishing therequired cooling performance.

Fans 104, cooling holes 20 and 21 in upper housing 5 and vents/slots 55on opposite side walls 40 and 41 of lower housing 6 allow greater andoptimal airflow for increased heat dissipation and cooling of the heatgenerated by an electronic system during use. Air flow is furtherincreased when upper housing 5 is angularly orientated. Additionally,other permeable materials may be used on the surface of upper housing 5of support unit 2 to further increase heat dissipation from theelectronic system.

Support unit 2 has a variety of power management systems and managementstates. The power management system 12 and its power management methodcomprises power block 110 that comprises rechargeable battery 111 (notshown) biased inside power block 110, USB interface mechanism 112comprises a plurality of USB hubs configured for connecting electronicdevices and other peripherals such that USB cable 113 may be connectedto draw power, AC power input source 114 into which an external powerapparatus 115 could be connected to provide a power source for supportunit 2, and a control unit 116 (not shown) and an on/off switch 117 (notshown) disposed conveniently in or around support unit 2 for managingthe power sources. Power consumption of support unit 2 is managed inaccordance with a plurality of defined active power management states118. Three possible active power management states 118 for poweringsupport unit 2 are defined: a “normal” state 119 where power is providedto the support unit 2 by the hardwired USB-out connector and pluggableinto an electronic system's USB port to draw power, a “battery” state120 where power is provided to support unit 2 by a rechargeable battery(DC) 111 source inside power block 110, and a “mains” state 121 wherepower is provided to support unit 2 by the mains (AC) source fromexternal power apparatus 115. The external power apparatus 115 ispluggable to the mains (AC) and supplies current directly to supportunit 2 as well as charges rechargeable battery 111 inside power block110. Active power status 122 (not shown) and battery level indicator 123(not shown) may also be incorporated into the support unit 2. The activepower management state 118 is user selectable. A user can only selectone power state to be active at a time since one active power managementstate precludes other power management states from becoming active.These active power management states 118 are determined by a usercontext such as use at the user's office, at home, in a meeting, orduring travel. In one embodiment, a set of control buttons that mayinclude power switch 124 (not shown) configured to change a power state(normal state, battery state, or mains state) of the support unit 2 maybe provided.

Cable management system 13 may comprise cable-routing guides, straps orclips for neatly organizing the service cables that power the activecooling mechanism 102, the “mains” cable when not in use or other USBcables. Alternately, cable management system 13 may comprise or includea receptacle where power and/or cables for the support unit 2 may beconcealed or hidden from view when the support unit 2 is in use.Further, support unit 2 may include a structure that facilitates cablemanagement.

As shown in the exemplary embodiments of support unit 2, retractablemouse pad 11 may comprise top and bottom surface 125 and 126 that slidesin and out of slot 58 of lower housing 6. A user may use a mouse on topsurface 125 or as a writing surface if desired. Bottom surface 126 maycomprise shallow slot 127 configured to engage projection 59 inside slot58 of lower housing 6 and prevents retractable mouse pad 11 fromdetaching from or falling off support unit 2 when retractable mouse pad11 slides in and out of slot 58. Retractable mouse pad 11 can readily beextended or pulled out from either side of support unit 2 by aleft-handed or right-handed user into an operating position for use witha mouse or to write on. Appropriate locking device is provided forlocking retractable mouse pad 11 in place when in use or completelyretracted into lower housing 6. In another embodiment, lower housing 6may be configured to exclude retractable mouse pad 11 as shown in FIG.18 as not all users may have need or use for a mouse pad. Inner bottomsurface 42 of lower housing 6 may be configured to have insulation suchthat heat emitted from an electronic system on surface 18 of upperhousing 5 and expelled through grated fan cover 108 into cavities 23 and45 is prevented from passing through to retractable mouse pad 11. Insome embodiments, lower housing 6 may not have projection 59 andtherefore retractable mouse pad 11 will not have shallow slot 127. Inthis case an appropriate mechanism for guiding and stopping retractablemouse pad 11 from detaching from or falling off support unit 2 whenretractable mouse pad 11 slides in and out of slot 58 will be provided.

Support unit 2 may further comprise a carrying handle (not shown) thatis partially defined by upper and lower housings 5 and 6 to allowworkstation 1 or support unit 2 to be carried with relative ease.Alternatively, the carrying handle may comprise a separate carryinghandle that may be attached to the outside of the support unit 2: theback end of support unit 2 for example. Other suitable handlearrangements are also possible. As mentioned above, upper housing 5,lower housing 6 and anti-skid mechanism 7 provide an aestheticappearance. As such, other alternative configurations of the supportunit 2 are also possible. For example, support unit 2 may have asubstantially rectangular shaped appearance as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34,with upper and lower housings 5 and 6 being casing halves respectively,each comprising a substantially shallow rectangular pan which is hingedtogether to one another to allow movement between collapsed and deployedpositions.

Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B, exemplary perspective views of theembodiments of partially deployed and collapsed telescopic rods 3 areillustrated. Telescopic rod 3 comprises a plurality of tubulartelescoping members comprising a top, base, and several intermediatetelescoping members of differing diameters such that they can be nestedin one another in a telescopically coupled manner and movablelongitudinally with respect to one another between extended andretracted positions. Each telescoping member comprises tube walls andlongitudinal axis. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 19A and19B, telescopic rod 3 consists of base 128, intermediate 129 and top 130members, first and second positive locking mechanisms 131 and 132, andfirst and second springs (not shown) 133 and 134. Springs 133 and 134are suitably sized and biased between two adjacent telescoping membersand configured to assist the extension of an intermediate or toptelescoping member to its fullest extended capacity or a user desiredlength. In the exemplary embodiment of telescopic rod 3, intermediateand top telescoping members 129 and 130 are two adjacent telescoping.Further, springs 133 and 134 are configured to reduce the force neededto extend an intermediate or top telescoping member. Telescoping members128, 129 and 130 may be readily extended or adjusted to the requiredheight or encased into one another in a collapsed or retracted positionfor storage out of the way when not in use. Springs 133 and 134respectively allow intermediate and top telescoping members 129 and 130to be automatically drawn out upwards when respective push buttonactuators 156 and 166 of first and second positive locking mechanism 131and 132 are depressed. Telescopic rod 3 has a simple, strong, light,durable and efficient construction, rigid in support, and capable ofsustaining the adjustment against the combined weight of an electronicsystem or reading material and support unit 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 20 of the exploded perspective view of anexemplary embodiment of telescopic rod 3, base and intermediatetelescoping members 128 and 129 have top and bottom ends. The lowerportion of base telescoping member 128 has a reduced diameter, thereduced diameter having a U-shaped race-like external annular groove 135(“groove 135”) for receiving quick connect-disconnect device 175. Theinner surfaces of the top ends of base and intermediate telescopingmembers 128 and 129 have recesses 136 (view A of FIG. 20) and 142configured to receive respectively housings 153 and 163 of first andsecond positive locking mechanisms 131 and 132. Proximate the respectivebottom portions of recesses 136 and 142 are through holes 137 and 141extending from the surfaces of recesses 136 and 142 to the respectiveouter surfaces of base and intermediate telescoping members 128 and 129configured to receive push button actuators 156 and 166 of first andsecond positive locking mechanisms 131 and 132. Proximate the respectivetop portions of recesses 134 and 142 are through holes 138 and 143 (notshown) extending from the respective surface of recesses 136 and 142 tothe respective outer surfaces of base and intermediate telescopingmembers 128 and 129 configured to receive screws 138 (not shown) forlocking respective first and second positive locking mechanism 131 and132.

As shown in FIG. 20, intermediate and top telescoping members 129 and130 have flat rotation prevention engagement surfaces 139 and 144 thatextend from their bottom ends upward and toward their top ends but notthe entire distance for respectively engaging the flat backs of housings431 and 436 of first and second positive locking mechanisms 131 and 132and prevent rotation of the intermediate and top telescoping members 129and 130 respectively relative to base telescoping member 128 andintermediate telescoping member 129. Flat rotation prevention engagementsurfaces 139 and 144 each have a plurality of pin locking holes 140 and145 that engage with the respective fore ends or locking pins 158 and168 of rocker arms 155 and 165 of first and second positive lockingmechanisms 131 and 132 to lock intermediate and top telescoping members129 and 130 in the desired fully deployed or extended, partiallydeployed or extended, or retracted positions. It is understood thatseveral intermediate telescoping members may be employed based on userneed. Each new intermediate telescoping member added would comprise arotation prevention engagement surface and a plurality of holes on therotation prevention engagement surface.

As further illustrated in FIG. 20, top telescoping member 130 has abottom end. The top end of telescoping member 130 optimally terminatesin a discontinuous annular snap-fit connector 146. The top telescopingmember 130 is configured to nest inside intermediate telescoping member129 and movable longitudinally in a telescoping manner between extendedor deployed and collapsed or retracted positions. As shown in view B-Balong reference line B-B of FIG. 21, snap-fit connector 146 may comprisea discontinuous annular snap-fit joint or an annular snap-fit joint orthe like. The snap-fit connector includes at least one snap-fitprotrusion 147. Snap-fit protrusion 147 interlocks with snap-fit cavity60 of lower housing 6 to form a releasable annular snap joint lock 60Aas shown in FIG. 22. To connect telescopic rod 3 to support unit 2,snap-fit protrusion 147 is slid through the hollow region of cavity 60in lower housing 6 to engage snap-fit cavity 60. Snap-fit protrusion 147contracts while being slid through the hollow region, encounterssnap-fit cavity 60 and resiliently expands to form snap joint lock 60Aand connector. Snap-fit protrusion 147, snap-fit cavity 60, or bothsnap-fit protrusion 147 and snap-fit cavity 60 temporarily deform duringthe assembly process. The dimensions, geometry, and material of snap-fitprotrusion 147 are selected to deform without significant strain damageduring the assembly process. Once assembled, at least one snap-fitprotrusion 147 engages snap-fit cavity 60 in lower housing 6 in astress-free manner. Alternatively, the top end of top telescoping member130 may be adapted for fitting an adapter attachment that may comprise asnap-fit connector end or some other appropriate adapter deviceattachment such that the adapter attachment will establish fluidcommunication between telescopic rod 3 and support unit 2. Furtherappropriate locking mechanisms for locking the adapter device attachmentonto telescopic rod 3 end and then connecting telescoping rod 3 tosupport unit 2 are provided. Snap-fit connector 146 or other adapterdevice attachment serves as a pre-equipped mating connector fortelescopic rod assembly 3. Snap joint lock 60A allows telescopic rod 3to be easily and quickly connected to and disconnected from the base oflower housing 6 of support unit 2 without having to thread and unthreadtelescopic rod 3 each time telescopic rod 3 is connected to ordisconnected from the base of lower housing 6 of support unit 2 andwithout the aid of tools. Annular snap joint 60A is designed to preventtelescopic rod 3 from separating from the base of lower housing 6 ofsupport unit 2 when deployed in the connected state by a user and allowready disconnection from the base of lower housing 6 of support unit 2when desired.

Referring to FIG. 21, snap-fit connector 146 may comprise radial groupof snap-fit protrusions 147. Each snap-fit protrusion 147 is an archedor semi-annular ridge that extends radially from the top of toptelescoping member 130. As illustrated by view B-B along reference lineB-B of FIG. 21, snap-fit connector 146 preferably has tapered edge 148which rests against or near a snap-fit ledge 61 (FIG. 10D) of snap-fitcavity 60 in lower housing 6 when assembled. Tapered edge 148 permitssnap-fit protrusion 147 to be disengaged and removed from snap-fitcavity 60 when desired. Snap-fit protrusion 147 optimally has atriangular-shaped head 150 and a beveled exterior 149. The triangularhead is designed to allow enough radial movement yet prevent radialflexing of at least one snap-fit protrusion 147 to prevent disassemblyof telescopic rod 3 from the base of lower housing 6 of support unit 2in the connected state while deployed in use. The beveled exterior 149is sloped to allow the top portion of top telescopic member 130 to beeasily inserted into the snap-fit cavity 60. Alternatively, a lockingmeans (not shown) may be provided to prevent radial flexing of at leastone snap-fit protrusion 147 of telescopic rod 3 and thus preventsdisassembly of the telescopic rod 3 from the base of lower housing 3 ofsupport unit 2 in the connected state while deployed in use. Asillustrated in view B-B along reference line B-B of FIG. 21, the topportion of top telescopic member 130 has axial slots 151 that divide thetop portion of top telescopic member 130 into a series of semi-annulararms 152 with arched cross-sections. Semi-annular arms 152 have top andbottom ends, the top end biased near or coextensive with snap-fitprotrusion 147 and the bottom end biased near the lowest point of theaxial slot 152. Snap-fit connector 146 has a locking means (not shown)for locking snap-fit connector 146 in a connected state, the lockingmeans being part of, or distinct from top telescoping member 130. Whenin a locked connected state, snap-fit protrusion 147 engages andinterlocks with snap-fit cavity 60 and the locking means substantiallyrestricts radial movement of snap-fit protrusion 147 within the snap-fitcavity 60.

Referring to FIG. 20, first and second positive locking mechanisms 131and 132 may comprise major elements first and second housings 153 and163, first and second pivot pins 154 and 164, first and second rigidrocker arms 155 and 165, first and second push button actuators 156 and166, and first and second energized cantilever springs 157 and 164 (orfinger springs). Preferably, the major elements of first and secondpositive locking mechanisms 131 and 132 have similar configurations anddimensions. Whether fully extended, partially extended or collapsed,telescoping members 128, 129 and 130 need to stay affixed in some mannerto the adjoining members so telescopic rod 3 will remain in place oncepositioned to a desired length. First and second positive lockingmechanisms 131 and 132 respectively located at the top ends of base andintermediate telescoping members 128 and 129 are used to achieve thiswhen activated and respectively lock intermediate and top telescopingmembers 129 and 130 in a continuum of positions along their respectivelengths to effectively and securely engage it to intermediate and toptelescoping members 129 and 130 in a partially extended, fully extendedor collapsed positions. This provides a solid predictable load bearinglock mechanism that locks and interconnects the base and intermediatetelescoping members 128 and 129 or the intermediate and top telescopingmembers 129 and 130 between extended and retracted positions and makesit possible to maintain the telescoping members in any desiredlongitudinal relationships relative to each other. When fully retractedand collapsed, telescopic rod 3 is in a compact form and is stored inform-fitted storage cavity 56 in lower housing 6 of support unit 2.

Referring to view C-C along reference line C-C of FIG. 21, first andsecond rocker arms 155 and 165 are pivotally mounted intermediatebetween their fore and aft ends to provide a rocking movement. The foreends of first and second rocker arms 131 and 132 respectively terminatein first and second locking pins 158 and 168. First and second energizedcantilever springs 157 and 167 are respectively biased inside first andsecond housings 153 and 163 such that one end of each spring is inengagement respectively with first and second abutments 160 and 170, theother ends being in engagement respectively with first and second aftends 159 and 169 of first and second rocker arms 155 and 165 to energizeand urge first and second aft ends 159 and 169 by applying respectiveforces directly against first and second aft ends 159 and 169 of firstand second rocker arms 155 and 165, in respective directions outwardlyof intermediate and top telescoping members 128 and 129 to forcerespective first and second locking pins 158 and 168 of first and secondrocker arms 155 and 165 inwardly respectively of intermediate and toptelescoping members 128 and 129 into locking engagement respectivelywith any of the plurality of pin locking holes 140 and 145 onintermediate and top telescoping members 129 and 130. Thus, telescopingmembers 129 and 130 are locked in the desired extended longitudinalconfiguration when first and second locking pins 158 and 168 of firstand second rocker arms 155 and 165 respectively engage any of therespective plurality of pin locking holes 140 and 145 respectively onrespective rotation prevention engagement surfaces 139 and 144. Firstand second positive locking mechanisms 131 and 132 are designed toprevent unintended unlocking caused by accidental depression of firstand second push buttons 156 and 166.

The desired longitudinal relationship between the telescoping members128, 129 and 130 can be changed by depressing either of first or secondpush button 156 or 166. Depression of either first or second push button156 or 166 pushes first and second aft ends 159 and 169 of first andsecond rocker arms 155 and 165 respectively inwardly of base andintermediate telescoping members 128 and 129, rotates respectively firstand second rocker arms 155 and 165 about pivot pins 154 and 164 andcompresses respectively first and second cantilever springs 157 and 167inwardly of base and intermediate telescoping members 128 and 129forcing locking pins 158 and 168 respectively outwardly of intermediateand top telescoping members 129 and 130 to force disengagement oflocking pins 158 and 168 from respective pin locking holes 140 and 145of the intermediate and top telescoping members 129 and 130, thusunlocking the intermediate and top telescoping members 129 and 130.Whilst either of first or second push button 156 and 166 is in adepressed state, intermediate and top telescoping members 129 and 130can be extended or collapsed by moving them telescopically against eachother. When either of first or second push button 156 or 166 isreleased, the respective locking pins 158 and 168 of first and secondrocker arms 155 and 165 engage any of the respective plurality of pinlocking holes 140 and 145 on intermediate and top telescoping members129 and 130 to lock and keep telescopic rod 3 in the new desiredlongitudinal relationship.

Further, the reactionary force caused by the combined weight of anelectronic system or reading material and support unit 2 from thelocking pins 158 and 168 during prolonged usage may deform or enlargepin locking holes 140 and 145 which are in direct engagement with thelocking pins 158 and 168. This may cause instability in the telescopicrod 3 and may render it inoperable. This can be prevented andtelescoping rod 3 made to withstand these forces and survive prolongeduse before failing by doing any of the following: using similarmaterials for both locking pins 158 and 168 and intermediate and toptelescoping members 129 and 130, inserting a stronger reinforcingmaterial than that of the locking pins 158 and 168 into pin lockingholes 140 and 145, or hardening intermediate and top telescoping members129 and 130 sufficiently to resist deformation from the forces ofrespective locking pins 158 and 168.

Referring to FIGS. 23-27, tripod 4 may comprise stationary leg assembly171 (“leg 171”), first moveable leg 172 (“leg 172”) and second moveableleg 173 (“leg 173”), guide pin 174, and quick connect-disconnect device175. Leg 171 may comprise circular tubular housing 176 (“tubular housing176”) and telescopic leg assembly 177. Leg 172 may comprise firsttubular barrel cam 178 (“barrel cam 178”), first circular tubularconnector 179 (“connector 179”) and telescopic leg assembly 177. Leg 173may comprise second tubular barrel cam 180 (“barrel cam 180”), secondcircular tubular connector 181 (“connector 181”) and telescopic legassembly 177. Telescopic leg assembly 177 is the same for and used withlegs 171, 172 and 173. As shown in FIG. 23, telescopic leg assembly 177may comprise leg elements 182 and 183, locking device 184 (not shown)which serve to releasably lock leg elements 182 and 183 together,retractable non-marking stem swivel caster wheel 185 (“caster wheel185”), press button actuator 187, wheel well door 188 (“wheel door188”), storage clip holder 189 and snap-in holder 190.

With continued reference to FIGS. 23-27, leg element 183 is configuredto nest in leg element 182. Leg element 183 is a stepped tube that isconstructed from two rectangular tubes, the first having across-sectional dimension slightly smaller than the cross-sectionaldimension of the second. The first and second rectangular tubes havefree and fixed ends. The fixed ends of the first and second rectangulartubes are rigidly attached together so that the joint between themcreates an abutment 191 (or stop). Thus, a stepped tube, which is legelement 183, is created. Leg element 183 has two free ends, one endhaving a slightly smaller dimension than the other. The free end of thefirst rectangular tube of leg element 183 nests into leg element 182,and the free end of the second rectangular tube of leg element 183 has abeveled exterior. Leg element 182 has fixed and free ends. The free endof leg element 182 is configured to receive the smaller free end of legelement 183. Together, they form a telescopic leg assembly 177. Toincrease the stability of tripod 4, press button 187 is depressed andlocking device 184 unlocks and releases leg element 183 for it to betelescopically extended.

As shown in FIG. 24 and view E of FIG. 23, the free end of leg element183 may comprise wheel well 192 that houses caster wheel 185 that ismovable between deployed and retracted positions, socket hinge 193,storage clip holder 189 for holding caster wheel 185 in a collapsed orstowed position and snap-in holder 190 for locking caster wheel 185 whensaid caster wheel 185 is in a deployed position. Wheel well 192 isprovided wheel door 188 that is adapted to slide open and close betweencollapsed and deployed positions of caster wheel 185. Appropriatelocking mechanism 194 (not shown) to hold wheel door 188 in positionwhen open or closed is provided. Further, leg element 183 is configuredto have a skid-proof sole to keep tripod 4 from sliding on smoothsurfaces when caster wheel 185 is retracted or stowed away.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, tubular housing 176 of leg 171 has top andbottom ends. Disposed coaxially inside, to a proximal end of top end oftubular housing 175 of leg 171, is a U-shaped race-like internal annularchannel 195 (“U channel 195”) circumscribing the inner diameter oftubular housing 175 for receiving quick connect-disconnect device 196 asshown in view F-F of FIG. 23. Quick connect-disconnect device 196,operably positioned inside U channel 195 locks and coaxially couplestelescopic rod 3 to tripod 4 such that telescopic rod 3 is placed influid communication with tripod 4. Quick connect-disconnect device 196permits the easy and quick connection and disconnection of telescopicrod 3 to or from tubular housing 176 of tripod 4. As used herein, “quickconnect-disconnect device” 196 is defined as a device that permits theeasy and quick connection and disconnection of telescopic rod 3 to andfrom tripod 4 without having to thread or unthread telescopic rod 3 toor from tripod 4 each time telescopic rod 3 is connected to ordisconnected from tripod 4 without the aid of tools. Quickconnect-disconnect device 196 may alternatively comprise conventionalquick connect-disconnect device as known to one of ordinary skill in theart.

As shown in FIG. 29A, first and second inverted U-shaped notches 197 and198 (“notch 197” and “notch 198”) which are similar in configuration andsize are located at the bottom end of tubular housing 176. The axis ofnotch 197 is oriented 120 degrees clockwise from the axis of leg element182 of leg 171. The axis of notch 198 is oriented 120 degrees clockwisefrom the axis of notch 197 and 120 degrees counterclockwise from theaxis of leg element 182 of leg 171. As shown in FIGS. 29B-29C, notches197 and 198 respectively engage connectors 179 and 181 of legs 172 and173. As shown in FIG. 29A, the fixed end of leg element 182 of leg 171is rigidly attached to the bottom end of tubular housing 176. Further,telescopic leg assembly 177 is angularly oriented to the vertical axisof tubular housing 176 of leg 171 at angle ϕ₁.

As illustrated in VIEW D of FIG. 23, quick connect-disconnect device 175may comprise first and second semi-circular cam locking devices 199(“cam lock 199”) and 200 (“cam lock 200”), pivot pin 201, first andsecond springs 202 and 203, and actuator 204. Cam locks 199 and 200 eachhave a free end and inner end, the inner end having a pivot hole throughwhich a pivot pin can be passed. The inner ends of cam locks 199 and 200are pivotally connected to each other by pivot pin 201 such that camlocks 199 and 200 are oppositely disposed to each other, and the freeends of cam locks 199 and 200 are in contact with actuator 204. Camlocks 199 and 200 are positioned in U channel 195 of tubular housing 176such that the cam surface of cam lock 199 is adjacent to the cam surfaceof cam lock 200 as shown in view F-F of FIG. 23. In operation, first andsecond springs 202 and 203 respectively press against and force camlocks 199 and 200 inwardly into a lock position 205 within groove 135such that cam locks 199 and 200 completely circumscribe the innersurface of groove 135 and thus lock telescopic rod 3 in tripod 4. In thelocking position 205, as shown in VIEW F-F of FIG. 23, cam locks 199 and200 partially protrude into channel 195 of tubular hosing 176 of leg171. Quick connect-disconnect device 175 serves as a pre-equipped matingconnector for tripod 4.

Actuator 204 having axis perpendicular to the axis of tubular housing176 may be positioned between the free ends of cam locks 199 and 200.When a user pushes inwardly on actuator 204 in operation, actuator 204engages and moves the free ends of cam locks 199 and 200 outwardly aboutthe pivot into an unlock position 206 within U channel 195 of tubularhousing 176. In the unlock position 206, cam locks 199 and 200 aredisposed such that they do not protrude into groove 135 of tubularhousing 176, thus permitting bottom end of telescopic rod 3 to beinserted into tubular housing 176 of tripod 4. As the end of telescopicrod 3 is inserted further into tubular housing 176 of tripod 4, camlocks 199 and 200 move adjacent to groove 135 in a circumscribing mannerat the bottom end of telescopic rod 3. When the user releases the inwardforce applied to actuator 204, cam locks 199 and 200 are forced inwardlyrespectively by first and second springs 202 and 203 into contact withthe inner surface of groove 135 at the bottom end of telescopic rod 3.As such, telescopic rod 3 is locked, connected, and/or mounted ontotripod 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, barrel cam 178 of leg 172 has top and bottomends. The diameter of barrel cam 178 of leg 172 is adapted to nestinside tubular housing 176 of leg 171. One end of connector 179 isrigidly attached to the fixed end of leg element 182 of telescopic legassembly 177. The other end of connector 179 is rigidly connected to thelower end of barrel cam 178 of leg 172. Telescopic leg assembly 177 ofleg 172 is angularly oriented to the vertical axis of the barrel cam 178of leg 172 at angle ϕ₁. As shown in FIG. 29B, third inverted U-shapednotch 207 (“notch 207”), preferably having similar configuration andsize as that of notches 197 and 198 of tubular housing 176 of leg 171,is located at the bottom end of barrel cam 178 of leg 172. The axis ofnotch 207 is oriented 120 degrees clockwise from the axis of leg element182 of telescopic leg assembly 177 of leg 172 and 240 degreescounterclockwise from the axis of leg element 182 of telescopic legassembly 177 of leg 172. When tripod 4 is deployed in operation, notches198 and 207 are aligned and simultaneously engage connector 181 of leg173. Rotational power is transmitted to barrel cam 178 through rotationof telescopic leg assembly 177 of leg 172. Leg 172 is collapsible from adeployed position or deployable from a collapsed position by rotation inthe same plane about common axis 220 relative to leg 171. In thecollapsed position, leg 172 lies horizontally and parallel to, butbeneath, leg element 182 of telescopic leg assembly 177 of leg 171 inthe same plane, FIG. 28. In the deployed position, leg 172 is displaced120 degrees clockwise from its collapsed position and engages notch 197of tubular housing 176 of leg 171. Appropriate locking mechanisms areprovided for locking leg 172 in either the deployed or collapsedposition.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, barrel cam 180 of leg 173 has top and bottomends. The diameter of barrel cam 180 of leg 173 is adapted to nestinside barrel cam 178 of leg 172. As shown in FIG. 29C, one end ofconnector 181 is rigidly attached to the fixed end of leg element 182 oftelescopic leg assembly 177. The other end of connector 181 is rigidlyconnected to the lower end of barrel cam 180 of leg 173. Telescopic legassembly 177 of leg 173 is angularly oriented to the vertical axis ofbarrel cam 181 of leg 173 at angle ϕ₁. Rotational power is transmittedto barrel cam 180 through rotation of the telescopic leg assembly 177 ofleg 173. Leg 173 is collapsible from a deployed position or deployablefrom a collapsed position by rotation in the same plane about commonaxis 220, relative to legs 171 and 172. In the collapsed position, leg173 lies horizontally and parallel to, but beneath, leg element 182 oftelescopic leg assembly 177 of leg 172 in the same plane, FIG. 28.

As shown in exploded view of FIG. 23, the nesting of barrel cam 180 inbarrel cam 178 and barrel cam 178 in tubular housing 176 is such thatthey rotate about common axis 220. Further, as shown in FIGS. 23 and29B, barrel cam 178 of leg 172 has a first cam track 208 and a firstparticular cam profile 209. First cam profile 209 is made so that itslaw of motion is a function of the angle of rotation of barrel cam 178.First cam profile 209 is continuous up to a 120 degree angle of rotationof barrel cam 178. When leg 172 rotates to a deployed or collapsedposition, barrel cam 178 also rotates about common axis 220. When barrelcam 178 rotates, first cam track 208 interacts with guide pin 174,follows first cam profile 209 and simultaneously moves in a verticaldirection, upward or downward, along common axis 220. Also, as shown inFIGS. 23 and 29C, barrel cam 180 of leg 173 has a second cam track 210and a second particular cam profile 211. The second cam profile 211 ismade so that its law of motion is a function of the angle of rotation ofbarrel cam 180. The second cam profile 211 is continuous up to a 240degree angle of rotation of barrel cam 180. When leg 173 rotates to adeployed or collapsed position, barrel cam 180 also rotates about commonaxis 220. When barrel cam 180 rotates, the second cam track 210interacts with guide pin 174, follows the second cam profile 211 andsimultaneously moves in a vertical direction, upward or downward, alongcommon axis 220.

As illustrated in view G of FIG. 23, guide pin 174 may comprise knurledhead 212 rigidly attached to shank 213. Knurled head 212 has diametersubstantially larger than the diameter of shank 213. Knurled head 212facilitates the manual turning of the guide pin 174. Shank 213 beginswith threaded portion 214 below knurled head 212 and terminates in pinend 215. Threaded portion 214 threads into threaded hole 221 (“hole221”) on tubular housing 176 of leg 171. Pin end 215 projects through,fits in, and engages cam tracks 208 and 210 respectively of barrel cams178 and 180 of legs 172 and 173. By so placing guide pin 174, rotationof legs 172 and 173 causes respective barrel cams 178 and 180 of legs172 and 173 about common axis 220 to move either vertically upward whilebeing rotatably deployed or move vertically downward while beingrotatably collapsed. In another alternative embodiment, guide pin 174may be a press-in pin or other appropriate pin that guides barrel cam178 and 180.

In the deployed position, legs 171, 172 and 173 are circumferentiallydisplaced 120 degrees from each other so that tripod 4 stably supportsthe combined weight of an electronic system or reading material, supportunit 2 and telescopic rod 3. Each movable leg is locked in place by anappropriate locking mechanism (not shown) once it is positioned in therespective deployed or collapsed positions. Further, as shown in FIG.27, caster wheel 185 provides mobility for workstation 1. Where thepossibility of rolling must be avoided, and where it is desirable not touse caster wheel 185, each caster wheel 185 is easily and quicklyretracted into wheel well 192 and caster wheel 185 remain clear of theground or floor to permit the tripod legs to rest directly on the flooras shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. When retracted, each caster wheel 185 ishoused in wheel well 192 located in each of leg element 183. For userswho prefer more stability, telescoping leg assembly 177 may be extendedas shown in FIGS. 25 and 27. FIGS. 30-32 show alternate embodimentstripod 4.

The invention as described is illustrative in manner and it should beunderstood that terminologies used are intended to be in the nature ofwords of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, it isapparent that many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in light of the above descriptions and consequently,changes may be made to the details of the embodiments of the describedinvention above by those skilled in the art without departing from thebroad inventive concept and the underlying principles thereof of thedisclosure described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that thedescription of this invention is not limited to the particularembodiments disclosed in any way but is intended to cover allmodifications which are in the spirit and scope of the disclosedinvention. It is also to be understood that the invention may beaccomplished otherwise than as specifically described within the scopeof the appended claim. The invention is defined by the claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ergonomically designed space savingcollapsible multi-function travel-friendly modular workstation assembly,said modular workstation assembly comprising cooling and ventilation,wherein said workstation assembly being sized and configured to be spacesaving, said workstation being further adapted for assembly into avariety of assembly modules and comprising sub-assembly modules capableof being releasably connected to each other without the use of tools toform said modular workstation assembly or said variety of assemblymodules, said sub-assembly modules comprising: (a) a first sub-assemblymodule forming a deployable and collapsible support unit, said supportunit can be used as a standalone support unit assembly or as asub-assembly module in combination with one or more of said sub-assemblymodules to form an assembly module, wherein said support unit may befitted with peripherals, the support unit comprising: (i) an upperhousing and a lower housing, said upper housing and lower housing eachcomprising an open interior cavity, each said open interior cavitycomprising at least one form-fitted cavity being sized and configured tohouse at least one accessory, component, component assembly orperipheral of said support unit mounted therein, said upper and lowerhousings cooperating to define a enclosed interior cavity therebetweenin fluid communication with said open interior cavities of said upperand lower housings when said support unit is in a collapsed positionwherein the top surface of said upper housing is substantially parallelrelative to the bottom surface of said lower housing, further whereinoptionally said support unit sub-assembly comprising a carrying handlewherein said workstation or said support unit may be carried; (ii) ananti-skid mechanism comprising a substantially planar retaining platformthat nests in a recess on the top surface of said upper housingconfigured to prevent an electronic system or written reading materialresting on said top surface of said upper housing from sliding, slippingor falling, wherein the retaining platform may be configured to span theentire width of said upper housing, said anti-skid mechanism furthercomprising a front end for positioning adjacent to a user, a back endopposite said front end, top and bottom surfaces, and opposite sideends, said font end of said retaining platform comprising at least onehinge arm comprising a central aperture, said hinge arm optionallycomprising an outer ring connected by a plurality of radial spokes to aninner ring comprising a central aperture, wherein further optionallysaid front end comprises a hinge end; (iii) a hinge mechanism comprisinga hinge pin, or pivot pin or hinge apparatus, wherein said upper andlower housings, and anti-skid mechanism being secured to each other viasaid hinge mechanism, wherein said hinge mechanism is configured toallow said upper housing to be angularly oriented relative to said lowerhousing, wherein further said hinge mechanism is configured to allowsaid anti-skid mechanism to be angularly oriented relative to said upperand lower housings; (iv) a self-locking tilt mechanism configured toangularly orient said upper housing relative to said lower housing froma collapsed substantially horizontal position to any angular position orfrom one angular position to another angular position or from anyangular position to a horizontal position, the self-locking tiltmechanism comprising a tilt mechanism and a self-locking mechanism; (v)a cooling and ventilation system; (vi) a retractable mouse pad; (vii) apower management system comprising a plurality of power sources, anactive power status indicator and a battery level indicator; (viii) acable management system comprising cable-routing guides, straps or clipsfor neatly organizing service cables of said support unit; (b) a secondsub-assembly module forming a telescopically extendable and collapsibletelescopic rod, said telescopic rod can be used as a standalonetelescopic rod assembly or as a sub-assembly module in combination withone or more of said sub-assembly modules to faun an assembly module,wherein said telescopic rod may be fitted with peripherals, saidtelescopic rod comprising a plurality of tubular telescoping members ofdiffering diameters such that they can be nested in one another in atelescopically coupled manner and movable longitudinally with respect toone another between extended and retracted positions, said tubulartelescoping members comprising; (i) a base telescoping member of largestdiameter comprising tube walls and longitudinal axis; (ii) a toptelescoping member of the smallest diameter comprising tube walls andlongitudinal axis, said top telescoping member being configured to beslidably moveable within an intermediate telescoping member of largerdiameter immediately adjacent to it; (iii) at least one tubularintermediate telescoping member of decreased diameter comprising tubewalls and longitudinal axis and located between said base telescopingmember and said top telescoping member, said intermediate telescopingmember being configured to be slidably moveable within said basetelescoping member if it is adjacent to it or within anotherintermediate telescoping member of larger diameter immediately adjacentto it; (iv) at least one load bearing positive locking mechanismassembly for releasably locking and interconnecting at least twoadjoining telescoping members, said load bearing positive lockingmechanism removably housed within said recess at said top end of thetelescoping member with the larger diameter; (v) at least one springsuitably sized biased between two adjoining telescoping members, thespring being configured to assist the extension of a telescoping memberto its fullest extended capacity or a user desired length; (c) a thirdsub-assembly module forming a deployable and collapsible tripod, saidtripod may be used as a standalone tripod assembly or as a sub-assemblymodule in combination with one or more of said sub-assembly modules toform an assembly module, wherein said tripod may be fitted withperipherals, the tripod comprising; (i) a stationary leg assemblycomprising a tubular housing comprising top and bottom ends, a verticalaxis and a tubular telescopic leg assembly rigidly attached to saidbottom end of said tubular housing, the proximal end of said top end ofsaid tubular housing comprising a U-shaped internal annular channeldisposed coaxially inside and circumscribing the inner diameter of saidtubular housing configured to receive a quick connect-disconnect device,a first and second inverted U-shaped notches configured and sized torespectively fit the tubular connectors of the first and second moveableleg assemblies are disposed at said bottom end of said tubular housingof said stationary leg assembly, said first and second notches beingdisposed opposite each other, the axis of said first and second notchesbeing respectively oriented respectively 120 degrees clockwise andcounterclockwise from the axis of said tubular telescopic leg assemblyof said stationary leg assembly, said first and second notchesrespectively engage said first and second tubular connectors of saidfirst and second moveable leg assemblies; (ii) a first moveable legassembly comprising a tubular barrel cam comprising top and bottom ends,a vertical axis, a tubular connector and a tubular telescopic legassembly rigidly attached to the bottom end of said tubular barrel camvia said tubular connector, each tubular barrel cam further comprising acam track, said cam tracks being suitable for engagement with a guidepin, said cam tracks further defining the movement of said tubularbarrel cam during rotation, a third inverted U-shaped notch configuredand sized to fit the tubular connector of the second moveable legassembly is disposed at said bottom end of said first barrel cam of saidfirst moveable leg assembly, the axis of said third notch being oriented120 degrees clockwise from the axis of said tubular telescopic legassembly of said first moveable leg assembly and configured to engagesaid tubular connector of said second moveable leg assembly; (iii) asecond moveable leg assembly comprising a tubular barrel cam comprisingtop and bottom ends, a vertical axis, a tubular connector and a tubulartelescoping leg assembly rigidly attached to the bottom end of saidtubular barrel cam via said tubular connector, each tubular barrel camfurther comprising a cam track, said cam tracks being suitable forengagement with a guide pin, said cam tracks further defining themovement of said tubular barrel cam during rotation, a third invertedU-shaped notch comprising a similar configuration and size as that ofsaid first and second notches of said tubular housing of said stationaryleg assembly is disposed at said bottom end of said first barrel cam ofsaid first moveable leg assembly, the axis of said third notch beingoriented 120 degrees clockwise from the axis of said tubular telescopicleg assembly of said first moveable leg assembly and configured toengage said tubular connector of said second moveable leg assembly; (iv)a guide pin a guide pin configured to extend through a hole in saidtubular housing of said stationary leg assembly and cam tracks of saidfirst and second tubular barrel cams, wherein said guide pin isconfigured to engage said cam tracks of said tubular barrel cams suchthat rotation of tubular telescopic leg assemblies of said first andsecond moveable leg about a common axis causes said tubular barrel camsof said first and second moveable leg to move vertically upward ordownward while being rotatably moved between deployed and collapsedpositions; (v) a quick connect-disconnect device operably positionedinside said U-shaped internal annular channel of said tubular housing ofsaid stationary leg assembly to lock and coaxially couple saidtelescopic rod to said tripod such that said telescopic rod is in fluidcommunication with said tripod; (d) wherein each said sub-assemblymodule comprising pre-equipped assembling mating connector or connectorsfor releasably connecting and interlocking said sub-assembly modules toone another to form said modular workstation assembly or said variety ofassembly modules; and (e) wherein further said workstation is configuredto be height-adjustable and provide multi-posture that permits a user toeasily transition between sitting and standing work postures, and toselectively adjust the height of said workstation between multiple userselectable height positions and comfortably adjust said upper housingwhile working to prevent wrist, arm, neck or back pain.
 2. Theworkstation assembly of claim 1 wherein said upper housing of saidsupport unit sub-assembly further comprising: (a) a front end forpositioning adjacent to a user, the font end of said upper housingcomprising at least one hinge arm comprising a central aperture, saidhinge arm optionally comprising an outer ring connected by a pluralityof radial spokes to an inner ring comprising a central aperture, whereinoptionally further said front end comprises a hinge end; (b) a back endopposite said front end; (c) a top and bottom surface comprising atleast one cooling hole extending between said top and bottom surfaces influid communication with said cavity of said upper housing, said topsurface comprising a recess proximate said front end for nesting saidretaining platform of said anti-skid mechanism; (d) opposite side wallscomprising at least one pivot hole and at least one cooling vent/slot influid communication with said cavity of said upper housing; (e) an endflange comprising a partial S-shape form being rigidly attached to theproximate end of said back end, optionally wherein said end flange maysubstantially be planar and may rigidly be attached to or integrallyformed flush with said back end of said upper housing; and (f) a grip orgripping area formed between said back end and said end flange such thatsaid grip or gripping area accommodates at least a portion of severalfingers of the hand to orient said upper housing from a substantiallyhorizontal position to an angle relative to said lower housing or fromone angular position to another angular position or from any angularposition to a to a substantially horizontal position relative to saidlower housing.
 3. The workstation assembly of claim 1 wherein optionallysaid open interior cavity of said lower housing of said support unitsub-assembly is sized and shaped to receive an insert or form-fittedtray, said insert or form-fitted tray comprising at least oneform-fitted cavity or opening sized and shaped to selectively receiveand store at least one accessory, component, component assembly orperipheral of said support unit mounted therein, said lower housing ofsaid support unit sub-assembly further comprising: (a) a front end forpositioning adjacent to a user, said font end of said lower housingcomprising at least one hinge arm comprising a central aperture, saidhinge arm optionally comprising an outer ring connected by a pluralityof radial spokes to an inner ring comprising a central aperture, whereinoptionally further said front end comprises a hinge end; (b) a back endopposite said front end, wherein said back end optionally comprises arecess or cutout configured to receive a power management block mountedtherein; (c) an inner bottom surface wherein optionally said innerbottom surface comprises at least one form-fitted cavity or openingsized and shaped to selectively receive and store at least oneaccessory, component, component assembly or peripheral of said supportunit mounted therein, optionally said bottom surface being a surface onwhich an insert or form-fitted tray comprising at least one form-fittedcavity or opening may be placed thereon; (d) a bottom surface whereinoptionally the bottom surface of said lower housing comprisinginterfacing material being configured to block heat emitted from saidbottom surface of said upper housing from passing through said bottomsurface of said lower housing; (e) a bottom portion, said bottom portioncomprising a through slot spanning the entire width of said lowerhousing and configured to receive a retractable mouse pad, said throughslot comprising a projection inward from said bottom surface of saidbottom portion configured to act as a guide and a stop, the projectioncomprising a hollow region extending from said bottom surface of bottomportion inward into said projection, said region comprising an annularsnap-fit cavity integrally formed therewithin, further optionally saidhollow region may be adapted for fitting an adapter, said adaptercomprising a snap-fit cavity or some other adapter device, wherein saidadapter being an attachment for establishing fluid communication betweensaid support unit and said telescopic rod, wherein further lockingmechanisms for locking said adapter onto said support unit and saidtelescopic rod are provided; (f) opposite side walls comprising at leastone pivot hole and at least one cooling vent/slot in fluid communicationwith said cavity; and (g) further optionally said lower housingcomprises a modular unit, said modular unit comprising a upper and lowerbottoms detachably connected to form said lower housing, said upperbottom comprising features and elements similar in configuration to saidlower housing without said bottom portion of said lower housing, saidlower bottom comprising a detachable mouse pad modular unit configuredto house said retractable mouse pad and said snap-fit cavity.
 4. Theworkstation assembly of claim 1 wherein said anti-skid mechanism furthercomprising: (a) a deployed-lock position, said deployed-lock positionbeing when said platform is oriented at 90 degrees relative to said topsurface of said upper housing such that in operation said retainingplatform and said upper housing together folio an L-shape; and (b) acollapsed-lock position, said collapsed-lock position being when saidretaining platform nests in said recess of said upper housing such thatsaid top surfaces of said platform and said upper housing aresubstantially flush or parallel relative to each other, optionally saidanti-skid mechanism comprises a whistle-shaped configuration when viewedfrom its opposite side ends.
 5. The workstation assembly of claim 1wherein said tilt mechanism of said support unit sub-assembly furthercomprising: (a) a four-bar linkage comprising a drive link pivotallyconnected to a fixed link at a first connection point, said fixed linkpivotally connected to at least one ratchet hub link at a secondconnection point, said ratchet hub link pivotally connected to at leastone pawl link at a third connection point, said pawl link pivotallyconnected to said drive link at a fourth connection point, the drivelink being the upper housing, the fixed link being the lower housing,wherein the four links form four connection points with a predeterminedone degree of freedom; (b) a press-to-release mechanism comprising apress button and at least one release cable, said release cable beingconnected to said locking pawl or said optional locking pawl rings,wherein the press button is configured to convert actuating push forcefrom said press button into a pull force on said release cable such thatsaid locking pawl or locking pawl ring disengages from said ratchettooth thereby permitting reverse movement of said ratchet tooth; whereingripping said grip or gripping area and pulling said upper housingupward in a counterclockwise direction angularly orients said upperhousing and pushing said upper housing downward in a clockwise directioncollapses said upper housing.
 6. The workstation assembly of claim 1wherein said self-locking mechanism of said support unit sub-assemblycomprises a pawl-ratchet link pair, the pawl-ratchet link pair furthercomprising: (a) a pawl link comprising a pawl head integrally formedwith a bar, a locking pawl, and a pawl spring, the pawl head comprisingat least one pawl pocket cut-out about its periphery for receiving saidlocking pawl, at least one pawl spring recess cut-out adjacent said pawlpocket for receiving said pawl spring, the pawl pocket comprising atleast one abutment surface configured to prevent movement of saidlocking pawl in one direction while permitting movement in the oppositedirection thereof, the pawl head and bar may optionally be separateparts or components connected together, wherein the locking pawl ispivotally mounted within said pawl pocket and configured to move betweena locked position against the abutment surface and a disengaged positionaway from the abutment surface, wherein said pawl spring is pivotallymounted within said pawl spring recess and configured to engage andexert a biasing force on said locking pawl urging said locking pawltoward said locking position when said locking pawl is in saiddisengaged position; (b) a ratchet hub link comprising a ratchet headintegrally formed with a bar, the ratchet head comprises a ratchetcavity comprising a circumferential surface defined by at least oneratchet tooth integrally formed with or on said circumferential surface,the ratchet tooth comprising a convex tooth top, a tooth side and aconcave tooth root, said convex top, said tooth side and said concaveroot smoothly transitioning into each other, the ratchet head and barmay optionally be separate parts or components connected together; (c) apawl-ratchet hub link joint formed by said third connection pointbetween said pawl and ratchet heads of said pawl and ratchet hub links,the pawl-ratchet hub link joint comprising a pawl-ratchet joint formedby engagement of at least one locking pawl and at least one ratchettooth, wherein said locking pawl is configured to slide over or snapagainst said ratchet tooth in operation thereby allowing said ratchethub link movement in at least one degree increment relative to said pawllink, said pawl-ratchet joint may optionally be configured to produce anaudible signal to indicate at least one (1) degree of movement when saidlocking pawl slides over or snaps against said ratchet tooth, whereinsaid pawl-ratchet joint being configured to be selflocking, saidself-locking comprising a wedging of said locking pawl into said ratchettooth root, the self-locking being activated when said locking pawlengages said abutment surface of said pawl pocket preventing reversemovement of said locking pawl causing said locking pawl to engage saidratchet tooth root thereby preventing reverse movement of said ratchettooth, said self-locking for said optional locking pawl rings comprisinga wedging of said locking pawl ring into said ratchet tooth root, theself-locking being activated when said return seat engages said returnstop preventing reverse movement of said locking pawl ring causing saidpawl of said locking pawl ring to engage said ratchet tooth root therebypreventing reverse movement of said ratchet tooth; (d) the pawl headoptionally comprising a locking pawl ring, a torsion spring, and areturn stop, the locking pawl ring comprising at least one pawl and atleast one return seat integrally formed on the outer periphery of saidlocking pawl ring, said return stop configured to engage saidanti-return seat to prevent movement of said locking pawl ring in onedirection while permitting movement in the opposite direction thereof,said torsion spring configured to urge said locking pawl ring to causesaid return seat to engage said return stop, wherein the locking pawlring is pivotally mounted on said pawl head and configured to movebetween a locked position wherein the return seat is against the returnstop and a disengaged position wherein the return seat is away from thereturn stop, (e) the pawl head further optionally comprising a lockingpawl ring, a return stop, and a pawl return element, the locking pawlring comprising at least one pawl, at least one pawl return elementseat, and at least one anti-return seat integrally formed on the outerperiphery of said locking pawl ring, said return stop configured toengage said return seat to prevent movement of said locking pawl ring inone direction while permitting movement in the opposite directionthereof, said pawl return element configured to engage and exert abiasing force on said pawl return element seat urging said locking pawlring to cause said return seat to engage said return stop, wherein thelocking pawl ring is pivotally mounted on said pawl head and configuredto move between a locked position wherein the return seat is against thereturn stop and a disengaged position wherein the return seat is awayfrom the return stop.
 7. The workstation assembly of claim 1 whereinsaid self-locking tilt mechanism of said support unit sub-assemblyfurther optionally comprising: (a) a tilt mechanism comprising: (i) asix-bar linkage comprising a drive link pivotally connected to a fixedlink at a first connection point, said drive link pivotally connected toa first intermediary link at a second connection point, said firstintermediary link pivotally connected to at least one ratchet hub linkat a third connection point, said ratchet hub link pivotally connectedto at least one pawl link at said third connection point, said ratchethub link pivotally connected to said fixed link at a sixth connectionpoint, said pawl link pivotally connected to a second intermediary linkat a fourth connection point, second intermediary link connected to saidfixed link at a fifth connection point, the second intermediary linkbeing the upper housing, the fixed link being the lower housing, whereinthe six links form seven connection joints with a predetermined onedegree of freedom, wherein the six-bar linkage comprises a combinationof two four-bar linkages comprising a shared connection joint consideredto be a special case of two connection joints located at said thirdconnection point; (ii) a hand lever actuator comprising a free and fixedends, a hand grip at said free end of said hand lever, a press buttonlocated inside said free end of said hand grip, a release cable, apush-to-release rod disposed between said release cable and said pressbutton, and a return spring disposed inside said hand grip, said handlever actuator pivotally connected to said drive link is configured todrive said drive link, said push-to-release rod is configured to convertthe actuating push force of press button into a pull force on saidrelease cable such that said locking pawl disengages from said ratchettooth; and (b) a self-locking mechanism comprising a pawl-ratchet hublink joint comprising a pawl-ratchet joint preferably similar inconfiguration and function as said pawl-ratchet joint of said four barlinkage mechanism of claim
 6. 8. The workstation assembly of claim 1wherein said self-locking tilt mechanism of said support unitsub-assembly further optionally a gas spring assisted system for tiltingand angularly orienting said upper housing relative to said lowerhousing, wherein angularly orienting said upper housing relative saidlower housing is done by a hand or a motor actuated gas spring.
 9. Theworkstation assembly of claim 1 wherein said self-locking tilt mechanismof said support unit sub-assembly further optionally comprising amotorized mechanism, an adjustable reciprocating mechanism, useradjustable tilt adjustment apparatus comprising a number of discretepositions, an activation device in operative communication with saidupper housing, or other rotational, tilting or lifting devices thatpermit said upper housing to be angularly oriented to the desiredangular orientation relative to said lower housing.
 10. The workstationassembly of claim 1 wherein said cooling and ventilation system furthercomprising: (a) an active cooling mechanism, said active coolingmechanism being configured to forcefully expel heat generated by anelectronic system, said active cooling mechanism further comprising aplurality of cooling holes extending between said top and bottomsurfaces of said upper housing in fluid communication with said openinterior and enclosed cavities of said upper and lower housings, atleast one fan configured to draw power from any of three power sources,an operably on/off control switch device configured to adjustablycontrol said fan speed, said power sources comprising a control cableconfigured to draw power from an electronic system or a rechargeablebattery or an external AC source, wherein further said active coolingmechanism is a modular component configured to removably mount insidesaid cavity of said upper housing, wherein said rechargeable battery isa modular component configured to removably mount inside said openinterior cavity of said upper or lower housing, wherein further saidcooling holes are in fluid communication with said enclosed interiorcavity when said support unit is in a collapsed position wherein the topsurface of said upper housing is substantially parallel relative to thebottom surface of said lower housing; and (b) a passive coolingmechanism, said passive cooling mechanism being configured to enableheat generated by an electronic system during operation to move awayfrom said electronic system, said passive cooling mechanism comprisingat least one through vent/slot on said side wall of said lower or upperhousing in fluid communication with said open interior cavities of saidupper and lower housing, wherein said vents/slots are in fluidcommunication with said enclosed interior cavity when said support unitis in a collapsed position wherein the top surface of said upper housingis substantially parallel relative to the bottom surface of said lowerhousing and including when said upper housing is angularly oriented atan angle of Φ relative to said lower housing, and a plurality of coolingholes extending between said top and bottom surfaces of said upperhousing in fluid communication with said cavities of said upper andlower housings, wherein said passive cooling may be achieved when saidupper and lower housings form said enclosed interior cavity, whereinfurther said passive cooling may be achieved when said upper housing isangularly oriented at an angle of Φ relative to said lower housing. 11.The workstation assembly of claim 1 wherein said retractable mouse padfurther comprising a substantially planar body configured to selectivelybe operable to extend out of or into said through slot in a left-handedor right-handed manner in said bottom portion of said lower housing,optionally wherein said retractable mouse pad is configured as aleft-handed or right-handed push in and release retractable mouse pad,the retractable mouse pad further comprising: (a) a top surfaceconfigured as a platform for use with a mouse or as writing or worksurface; (b) a bottom surface comprising a slot configured to engagesaid projection in said through slot; (c) four perimeter ends; (d) alocking means to lock said mouse pad in its retracted or extendedpositions or anywhere between its retracted or extended positions; and(e) optionally said retractable mouse pad is configured to comprisemechanisms for guiding and stopping said retractable mouse pad fromdetaching or falling off when in use.
 12. The workstation assembly ofclaim 1 wherein said power sources of said power management systemfurther comprising: (a) an active user selectable normal power statewherein power is drawn from an electronic device through a hardwiredcable on said support unit; (b) an active user selectable battery powerstate wherein power is drawn from a rechargeable battery (DC); (c) anactive user selectable mains power state wherein power is drawn from anexternal power apparatus pluggable to the mains (AC); (d) a USBinterface mechanism comprising at least one USB hub configured to allowan electronic device or other peripheral to connect thereto wherein theelectronic device or peripheral draws power from said USB interfacemechanism; wherein one active power management state precludes otherpower states from becoming active such that only one user selectableactive power state may be active in at a time; and wherein optionallysaid power management system comprises a control unit or on/off switchfor managing said power sources.
 13. The workstation assembly of claim 1wherein said base telescoping member of said telescopic rod sub-assemblyfurther comprising: (a) a top end comprising a recess, said recesscomprising top and bottom portions configured to receive a load bearingpositive locking mechanism assembly, said top and bottom portionsrespectively comprising a through hole extending radially from saidrecess surface to the outer surface of said base telescoping member,said through holes respectively configured to receive a screw forlocking said load bearing positive locking mechanism assembly in placeand a push button actuator; and (b) a bottom end comprising a lowerportion of reduced diameter, said lower portion comprising a U-shapedexternal annular groove configured for coupling to and uncoupling from atripod assembly.
 14. The workstation assembly of claim 1 wherein saidtop telescoping member of said telescopic rod sub-assembly furthercomprising: (a) a top end terminating in a snap-fit connector forconnecting the telescopic rod to the support unit; (b) a locking meansfor locking the snap-fit connector in the connected state; (c) arotation prevention engagement surface comprising a plurality of pinlocking holes configured to engage with a rocker arm locking pin to locksaid top telescoping member in the desired extended or retractedpositions; (d) a bottom end; and (e) wherein optionally said toptelescoping member comprises a tubular section comprising top and bottomends, said top end being adapted for fitting an adapter, said adaptercomprising a snap-fit connector end or some other adapter device,wherein said adapter being an attachment for establishing fluidcommunication between said telescopic rod and said support unit, whereinfurther locking mechanisms for locking said adapter onto said telescopicrod end and said support unit are provided.
 15. The workstation assemblyof claim 1 wherein said intermediate telescoping member of saidtelescopic rod sub-assembly further comprising: (a) a top end comprisinga recess comprising top and bottom portions configured to receive a loadbearing positive locking mechanism assembly, said top and bottomportions respectively comprising a through hole extending radially fromsaid recess surface to the outer surface of said base telescopingmember, said through holes respectively configured to receive a screwfor locking said load bearing positive locking mechanism assembly inplace and a push button actuator; (b) a rotation prevention engagementsurface comprising a plurality of pin locking holes configured to engagewith a rocker arm locking pin to lock an intermediate telescoping memberin the desired extended or retracted positions; and (c) a bottom end.16. The workstation assembly of claim 1 wherein said load bearingpositive locking mechanism of said telescopic rod sub-assembly furthercomprising: (a) a rigid rocker arm comprising a fore end terminating ina locking pin, an aft end shaped to engage said energized cantileverspring, and a pivot hole intermediate between the fore and aft ends ofsaid rigid rocker arm through which said pivot pin is passed, said rigidrocker aim being pivotally mounted on said pivot pin wherein depressingsaid push button releases said locking pin of said rocker arm therebypermitting the telescoping member with the smaller diameter to slidewithin the telescoping member with the larger diameter; (b) a housingconfigured to accommodate said rigid rocker arm; (c) a pivot pinconfigured to pivotally mount said rigid rocker arm to provide a rockingmovement; (d) an energized cantilever spring configured to energize andurge said locking pin of said rocker arm toward locking engagement withsaid pin locking hole of the telescoping member with the smallerdiameter; and (e) a push button actuator configured to urge a rockingmovement of said rocker arm.
 17. The workstation of claim 1 wherein saidtubular telescopic leg assembly of said stationary, first and secondmoveable leg assemblies of said tripod sub-assembly further arepreferably similar in size and configuration and angularly orientedrespectively to said vertical axes of said tubular housing and saidbarrel cams at an angle 4), wherein said tubular barrel cam of saidsecond moveable leg assembly nests in said tubular barrel cam of saidfirst moveable leg assembly, wherein said tubular barrel cam of saidfirst moveable leg assembly nests in said tubular housing of saidstationary leg assembly, wherein said tubular telescopic leg assemblyfurther comprising: (a) a first and second tubular leg element, saidsecond tubular element comprising at its one end a retractable casterwheel moveable between deployed and retracted positions, the other endof said second tubular leg element being configured to nest and movewithin said first tubular leg element; (b) a locking device; (c) a wheelwell configured to house said caster wheel; (d) a wheel well door; (e) astorage clip holder configured to hold said caster wheel in a collapsedor stowed position; (f) a snap-in holder configured to lock said casterwheel in a deployed position; and (g) a press button actuator; whereinsaid press button actuator and said locking device being configured andoperably coupled for selectively locking and releasing said secondtubular leg element between extended and retracted positions.
 18. Theworkstation assembly of claim 1 wherein said quick connect-disconnectdevice of said tripod sub-assembly further comprising: (a) a first andsecond cam locking device movable between a lock and unlock positionwithin said U-shaped internal annular channel of said tubular housing ofsaid stationary leg assembly, the first and second cam locking devicesextending to circumscribe the inner surface of said U-shaped externalannular groove at said bottom end of said tubular base telescopingmember of said telescopic rod into said lock position, further saidsecond cam locking device substantially opposite said first cam lockingdevice; (b) a pivot pin configured to pivotally connect at least one endeach of said first and second cam locking devices to each other suchthat said first and second cam locking devices are substantiallyoppositely disposed to each other and the other ends of said first andsecond cam lock devices being in contact with an actuator; (c) a firstand second spring biasing or urging said first and second cam lockingdevices into said lock positions; and (d) an actuator operablyconfigured to cause said first and second cam locking devices to pressagainst the force of said first and second spring to move to said unlockpositions.
 19. A deployable and collapsible tripod, said tripod may beused in combination with a telescopic rod or in combination with asupport unit to form different assemblies, the tripod comprising: (a) astationary leg assembly comprising a tubular housing comprising top andbottom ends, a vertical axis and a tubular telescopic leg assemblyrigidly attached to said bottom end of said tubular housing, theproximal end of said top end of said tubular housing comprising aU-shaped internal annular channel disposed coaxially inside andcircumscribing the inner diameter of said tubular housing configured toreceive a quick connect-disconnect device, a first and second invertedU-shaped notches configured and sized to respectively fit the tubularconnectors of the first and second moveable leg assemblies are disposedat said bottom end of said tubular housing of said stationary legassembly, said first and second notches being disposed opposite eachother, the axis of said first and second notches being respectivelyoriented respectively 120 degrees clockwise and counterclockwise fromthe axis of said tubular telescopic leg assembly of said stationary legassembly, said first and second notches respectively engage said firstand second tubular connectors of said first and second moveable legassemblies; (b) a first moveable leg assembly comprising a tubularbarrel cam comprising top and bottom ends, a vertical axis, a tubularconnector and a tubular telescopic leg assembly rigidly attached to thebottom end of said tubular barrel cam via said tubular connector, eachtubular barrel cam further comprising a cam track, said cam tracks beingsuitable for engagement with a guide pin, said cam tracks furtherdefining the movement of said tubular barrel cam during rotation, athird inverted U-shaped notch configured and sized to fit the tubularconnector of the second moveable leg assembly is disposed at said bottomend of said first barrel cam of said first moveable leg assembly, theaxis of said third notch being oriented 120 degrees clockwise from theaxis of said tubular telescopic leg assembly of said first moveable legassembly and configured to engage said tubular connector of said secondmoveable leg assembly; (c) a second moveable leg assembly comprising atubular barrel cam comprising top and bottom ends, a vertical axis, atubular connector and a tubular telescoping leg assembly rigidlyattached to the bottom end of said tubular barrel cam via said tubularconnector, each tubular barrel cam further comprising a cam track, saidcam tracks being suitable for engagement with a guide pin, said camtracks further defining the movement of said tubular barrel cam duringrotation, a third inverted U-shaped notch comprising a similarconfiguration and size as that of said first and second notches of saidtubular housing of said stationary leg assembly is disposed at saidbottom end of said first barrel cam of said first moveable leg assembly,the axis of said third notch being oriented 120 degrees clockwise fromthe axis of said tubular telescopic leg assembly of said first moveableleg assembly and configured to engage said tubular connector of saidsecond moveable leg assembly; (d) a guide pin a guide pin configured toextend through a hole in said tubular housing of said stationary legassembly and cam tracks of said first and second tubular barrel cams,wherein said guide pin is configured to engage said cam tracks of saidtubular barrel cams such that rotation of tubular telescopic legassemblies of said first and second moveable leg about a common axiscauses said tubular barrel cams of said first and second moveable leg tomove vertically upward or downward while being rotatably moved betweendeployed and collapsed positions; (e) a quick connect-disconnect deviceoperably positioned inside said U-shaped internal annular channel ofsaid tubular housing of said stationary leg assembly to lock andcoaxially couple said telescopic rod to said tripod such that saidtelescopic rod is in fluid communication with said tripod; (f) whereinsaid tripod comprises pre-equipped assembling mating connector orconnectors for releasably connecting and interlocking said tripod tosaid telescopic rod or said support unit to form said differentassemblies; and (g) wherein said tripod, telescopic rod and support unitare fitted with peripherals.
 20. The tripod claim 19 wherein saidtubular telescopic leg assembly of said stationary, first and secondmoveable leg assemblies of said tripod sub-assembly further arepreferably similar in size and configuration and angularly orientedrespectively to said vertical axes of said tubular housing and saidbarrel cams at an angle Φ, wherein said tubular barrel cam of saidsecond moveable leg assembly nests in said tubular barrel cam of saidfirst moveable leg assembly, wherein said tubular barrel cam of saidfirst moveable leg assembly nests in said tubular housing of saidstationary leg assembly, wherein said tubular telescopic leg assemblyfurther comprising: (a) a first and second tubular leg element, saidsecond tubular element comprising at its one end a retractable casterwheel moveable between deployed and retracted positions, the other endof said second tubular leg element being configured to nest and movewithin said first tubular leg element; (b) a locking device; (c) a wheelwell configured to house said caster wheel; (d) a wheel well door; (e) astorage clip holder configured to hold said caster wheel in a collapsedor stowed position; (f) a snap-in holder configured to lock said casterwheel in a deployed position; (g) a press button actuator; and (h)wherein said press button actuator and said locking device beingconfigured and operably coupled for selectively locking and releasingsaid second tubular leg element between extended and retractedpositions.
 21. The tripod of claim 19 wherein said quickconnect-disconnect device further comprising: (a) a first and second camlocking device movable between a lock and unlock position within saidU-shaped internal annular channel of said tubular housing of saidstationary leg assembly, the first and second cam locking devicesextending to circumscribe the inner surface of said U-shaped externalannular groove at said bottom end of said tubular base telescopingmember of said telescopic rod into said lock position, further saidsecond cam locking device substantially opposite said first cam lockingdevice; (b) a pivot pin configured to pivotally connect at least one endeach of said first and second cam locking devices to each other suchthat said first and second cam locking devices are substantiallyoppositely disposed to each other and the other ends of said first andsecond cam lock devices being in contact with an actuator; (c) a firstand second spring biasing or urging said first and second cam lockingdevices into said lock positions; and (d) an actuator operablyconfigured to cause said first and second cam locking devices to pressagainst the force of said first and second spring to move to said unlockpositions.